Salaam Accepts ADC Ticket, Vows to End ‘Politics of Punishment’ In Osun
Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Osun 2026 governorship election, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam has pledged to offer responsible, compassionate and purposeful leadership, declaring that Osun State must move away from what he described as the politics of punishment and deprivation.
Speaking during his acceptance speech after emerging as ADC flagbearer, Salaam said his candidacy was not simply a political moment, but a moral calling, anchored on service, conscience and accountability.
Salaam criticised what he described as years of poor political judgment and internal contradictions, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he said weakened institutions and eroded public trust.
He also condemned the withholding of local government allocations over legal disputes, describing it as collective punishment with dire consequences for workers, schools and grassroots governance.
“Osun must move from politics of punishment to politics of purpose. The people of Osun are not asking for miracles. They are asking for competent governance, accountability, and leadership that listens.
“Leaving that structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience,” he declared, stressing that loyalty must be to Osun people, not to “failed systems or empty slogans.”
“This is not leadership. This is not governance,” Salam said, adding that “power without compassion becomes oppression.”
Presenting ADC as a credible alternative, the former Speaker said the party represents a new direction based on responsible leadership, transparency, development and unity.
Salaam pledged that an ADC-led government would prioritise workers’ welfare, revitalise education, empower youths beyond election cycles, strengthen security, promote local enterprise and restore public trust in governance.
“I will not betray this trust. We will not fail Osun,” he assured.
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.
