The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for governor of Osun, Najeem Folasayo Salam, has called his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) a “act of conscience.”
Shortly after emerging as the ADC governorship candidate in Monday’s Osogbo primary election, Salam made the claim in his acceptance speech.
It had previously stated that Salam, who received 520 votes during the exercise and emerged by consensus, was named the Osun ADC governorship candidate.
His rise was more than just a political development, he claimed.
“Today is a moral calling, not just a political moment.” I express my gratitude to the ADC’s leadership and members for their trust.
We take your confidence seriously. I take on that obligation with a clear heart and unwavering resolve thanks to your mandate.
In reference to the state’s political climate, Salam stated that Osun’s difficulties stemmed from “years of poor political judgment, internal contradictions, and misplaced priorities, particularly within the All Progressives Congress.”
“Reform efforts were thwarted,” he continued.
“Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience,” Salam explained in reference to his exit from the APC.
Salam also denounced the denial of funding to local governments and the ensuing court battles.
“Weak local governance, failing schools, unpaid workers, and neglected communities were the results of this situation.”
According to him, the ADC provided a substitute based on “responsible leadership, transparency, development and unity.” He claims that the party has rejected what he called “politics of punishment.”
Salam outlined his commitments, including putting workers’ welfare first, reviving education, empowering young people, bolstering security, encouraging local business, and rebuilding public confidence in governance.
In advance of the 2026 governorship race, he urged for unity and reassured supporters that he would respect the party’s mandate.
