- Thoughts On Governance, Politics and the Journey Ahead
- Says Emergence As ADC Candidate Not Imposition
Leadership, Peter Drucker famously observed, is about “lifting people to a higher vision and a higher standard of performance.” It is a journey that simply means taking the people to where they want to be within the shortest possible time. While leadership is an effort laden process, it is one binded by a bold vision to inspire, act and decide on behalf of many, what their future looks like.
For over three decades, those who have had the opportunity of being in the mantle of leadership in Osun State, South West Nigeria, have come with their veritable highs, lows and resounding achievements. They have also come around with their vision for prosperity and change, surrounded by many circles of challenges and hiccups right from childhood to their ascension to the exalted governorship seat.
Since 1991, Osun has produced six civilian governors – Late Isiaka Adeleke (1991-1992), Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola (2003-2010), Rauf Aregbesola (2010-2018), Adegboyega Oyetola (2018-2022) and the incumbent Ademola Adeleke (2022 till date). As the race for the August 8, 2026 election to produce the next helmsman of the state rages, OSUN DEFENDER beams its searchlight one of the major contenders, Najeem Folasayo Salaam (PhD), candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
An household name in the politics of Osun, Salaam thinks leadership is a moral calling; one anchored in ideas, sacrifice, and service to humanity. He remarks a refined leadership style enclosed by service, humility and commitment to the ideals of good governance.
Raised in Ejigbo within modest circumstances, he learned early that leadership must be empathetic, insisting that politics should function as a tool for collective uplift, not personal enrichment. His ideological premise is rooted in human development progressivism, believing that people, not projects are the true measures of governance, with education, skills and dignity being at the foundation of sustainable growth.
In an exclusive interview with OSUN DEFENDER, Salaam said, “Coming from a humble background and witnessing God’s grace in my life inspired me to give back to society. My desire to serve humanity, help the less privileged and contribute meaningfully to community development forms the foundation of my political ideology.
“My greatest achievement is what God has accomplished through me impacting lives and helping people grow. I have supported many individuals who now serve in state and local governments, facilitated community projects such as boreholes, and contributed to human development. Helping people stand on their feet and improve their lives remains my proudest achievement.”
- Thoughts On Governance, Politics and the Journey Ahead
Salam’s entry into public service in 1999, as Supervisory Councillor for Health, was guided by compassion. That experience reinforced his belief that governance must protect the vulnerable. Although, repeated political setbacks tested his resolve. After being rigged out of a local government election and later losing his legislative seat through electoral controversy, Salaam refused bitterness and embodied resilience as a defining leadership quality.
His return to the Osun State House of Assembly in 2011 marked a turning point. As Speaker, he emphasised institutional integrity, stressing that the legislature must be the conscience of government. Politically, he identifies with progressive ideals rooted in fairness and opportunity saying progressivism means standing with the many, not the privileged few, positioning social justice and inclusion as the pillars of governance.
- Emergence As ADC Candidate
The ADC governorship candidate also spoke on the process that led to his emergence as the flagbearer of the party in the August 8, 2026 election.
“We began from Omoluabi Progressives before we moved to ADC. In April this year, we had the Ibadan Accord where all members of our apex body agreed to abide by a consensus arrangement to decide who emerges our governorship candidate. The issues that stemmed from my emergence are currently being addressed and will be settled soon.
“Politics naturally involves crisis management, and disagreements are inevitable. The party has been engaging those who feel aggrieved, and reconciliation efforts are ongoing. I wish to clarify that I was not imposed as the ADC governorship candidate by any leader. The party’s internal mechanisms were followed, and we continue to work towards unity and collective progress.”
- Salaam’s Vision for Osun and the 2026 Journey
Salaam’s vision for Osun is broad and deliberate. His ideas cut across education reform, agricultural modernisation, healthcare revitalisation, security, and workers’ welfare.
“My aspiration to govern Osun State stems from my passion to serve my people more effectively. I have clear standards and visions for youth empowerment, care for the elderly, women and children, security, education reform, agricultural transformation, workers’ welfare and healthcare revitalisation. These concerns continually motivate my desire to serve Osun State at the highest level.
“All sectors of our dear state are our greatest priority. We have a clear blueprint set to address every of the challenges we have identified. When the campaigns begin, we will roll out our ideas on how we seek to address the issues of governance and development in our state.
“We have the experience and clear vision to make our state the toast of others. We have carefully reviewed the progresses made, across all our critical sectors.”
Salaam’s economic thinking prioritises productivity and participation. Ultimately, Najeem Salaam’s pursuit of a better Osun is driven by ideas rather than impulse. “I am guided by conscience, clarity, and commitment to my people,” he affirms.
In a political landscape often short on depth, his leadership philosophy stands as a thoughtful blend of intellect, experience, and an unwavering belief in human-centred development.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
