Osun State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, has said his political experience and development strategy make him qualified to lead the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly outlined plans to grow the state’s economy, attract investors and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
Salaam said his administration would focus on increasing internally generated revenue (IGR) and investing the additional resources in key sectors such as electricity and agriculture.
“I have a clear objective of what I will do. I will ensure investors come and we generate more money. For electricity, we will ensure that we give them 24/7 electricity,” he said.
On agriculture, he argued that Osun could generate enough resources to develop the sector without constantly waiting for federal allocations.
“The strategy is not depending on the Federal Government before we do things on our own,” Salaam added.
The ADC candidate also addressed his relationship with former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, dismissing claims that he was simply Aregbesola’s political representative.
“I am not Aregbesola’s man. I can stand on my own,” Salaam said.
He pointed to his political journey through the grassroots, local government and the state House of Assembly, where he eventually became Speaker, as evidence of his independent political experience.
Salaam said he was proud of his relationship with Aregbesola but maintained that he had his own agenda and vision for Osun.
“People know me. They know my quality. On my own, I will be a man of myself,” he said.
The ADC candidate is among the major contenders in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.
