The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Najeem Folasayo Salam, has described his decision to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a principled choice driven by conscience rather than political ambition.

Salam made the remark in his acceptance speech after emerging as the ADC’s governorship candidate at the party’s primary election held on Monday in Osogbo.

DAILY POST reports that Salam emerged through consensus, securing 520 votes to clinch the ADC ticket for the forthcoming governorship election.

Describing his emergence as more than a routine political development, Salam said it marked a moral responsibility to offer purposeful leadership to the people of Osun State.

“Today is not merely a political moment; it is a moral calling,” he said. “I thank the leadership and members of the ADC for the confidence placed in me. This trust carries a responsibility I accept with sincerity and determination.”

Commenting on the political and governance challenges facing the state, Salam attributed Osun’s difficulties to years of poor political choices, internal conflicts and misplaced priorities, particularly within the APC.

“Efforts at reform were repeatedly resisted,” he said.

Explaining his exit from the ruling party, Salam stressed that his decision was guided by principles.

“Leaving that political structure was not an act of disloyalty; it was an act of conscience,” he stated.

He also criticised the continued withholding of local government allocations, noting that the resulting legal disputes have weakened grassroots governance.

According to him, the situation has led to struggling schools, unpaid workers and abandoned communities across the state.

Salam said the ADC represents a credible alternative founded on responsible leadership, transparency, unity and development, adding that the party rejects what he described as the “politics of punishment.”

Outlining his campaign priorities, the ADC candidate pledged to improve workers’ welfare, revitalise the education sector, empower young people, strengthen security, support local businesses and rebuild public confidence in governance.

He called on party members and supporters to remain united as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election, assuring them of his commitment to faithfully uphold the party’s mandate.