Salaam said the choice of a female deputy-governorship candidate is about inclusion, fairness, and tapping into the immense potential that women bring to governance.
Salaam stated this on the sidelines of the Osun ADC Congress on Saturday, where new executives where elected to pilot the affairs of the party in the state.
He laid strong emphasis on the rationale behind selecting a female deputy governorship candidate, describing the decision as both strategic and value-driven.
He explained that the choice of Agiri reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender balance, and broader representation in leadership.
According to him, the ADC deliberately opted for a female running mate to ensure that women, who constitute a significant portion of the population, are actively represented in the decision-making process.
He noted that beyond symbolism, the selection was based on competence and the need to harness diverse perspectives in governance.
He maintained that empowering women in leadership roles would enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in areas affecting families, education, healthcare, and social development.
“Our decision to pick a female deputy governorship candidate is intentional and strategic. It is about inclusion, fairness, and tapping into the immense potential that women bring to governance,” Salaam said.
He further assured that, if elected, his administration would run a government that accommodates all segments of society, irrespective of gender, age, or background.
He added that the ADC government would prioritise policies that promote equity, development, and collective progress across Osun State.
Salaam concluded by reaffirming his commitment to delivering real development, urging party members and the electorate to support the ADC in the forthcoming election.
The ADC state congress election (held under tight security and supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Committee, Mudashiru Akinlabi) produced former chairman of Ilesa West Local Government, Issa Adesiji, as the new state Chairman.
Mr Lani Baderinwa, a former Commissioner for Information, under ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, was elected secretary.
Other executives elected through a consensus arrangement include Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary, among others.
In his acceptance speech, Adesiji charged members of the newly inaugurated executive to brace up for the task ahead, particularly the August 15, 2026 governorship election. He stressed that the party must mobilise effectively to secure victory, describing the mission as a collective responsibility.
“We are taking over at a critical time, with a ‘must-win’ governorship election just months away. This requires dedication, unity, and hard work from all of us,” he said, while urging party leaders and members to rally support for the ADC candidate, Dr. Najeem Salaam.
Adesiji also praised Salaam’s leadership pedigree, noting his eight-year tenure as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly during Aregbesola’s administration as evidence of his experience and capacity to govern.
