The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for governor of Osun, Najeem Folasayo Salam, has called his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) a “act of conscience.”
Shortly after winning the ADC governorship in Monday’s Osogbo primary election, Salam made the claim in his acceptance speech.
It had previously stated that Salam, who received 520 votes throughout the exercise and emerged by consensus, was named the Osun ADC governorship candidate.
He said that his rise was not just a political phenomenon.
“Today is a moral calling, not just a political time. I express my gratitude to the ADC members and leadership for their trust in me.
“We take your confidence seriously. With a clear heart and unwavering resolve, I assume that duty through your mandate.
Salam addressed the state’s political climate and claimed 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 met with resistance,” he continued.
“Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience,” Salam explained when he left the APC.
Salam also criticized the legal issues that resulted from local government allocations being withheld.
“Weak local governance, failing schools, unpaid workers, and neglected communities were the results of the situation.”
According to him, the ADC provided a substitute based on “responsible leadership, transparency, development, and unity.” He claims that the party has eschewed “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 government.
In advance of the 2026 governorship race, he urged for unity and reassured supporters that he would uphold the party’s mandate.
