As Osun State prepares for its August 15, 2026 governorship election, African Democratic Congress candidate Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam is campaigning on a ten-point development agenda. Popularly known as “Iwaloye,” the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly combines extensive academic credentials in political science with years of public administration experience to challenge major party dominance.
From Ejigbo Childhood Tragedy to Academic Distinction
Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam was born in Ejigbo, Osun State, on August 8, 1965. Early childhood adversity marked his path when he lost his father at the age of two and his mother at ten. Raised subsequently by his maternal aunt, Salaam channeled these formative hardships into resilience and academic determination.
His foundational education began at Ansar-U-Deen Primary School in Ejigbo before he moved on to Baptist High School in the same town to complete his secondary studies. He later advanced to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned degrees culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science. Beyond his personal studies, Salaam contributed to scholarship by co-authoring Rudiments of Government and Politics, a textbook used by students studying political science and government.
His academic background sets him apart from many career politicians. My doctorate degree is not an honorary. It’s a doctor of philosophy in political science. I read political science in my first degree, second degree, and up to the PhD level by government,
Salaam said during an Arise Television townhall. He added, “My exposure, my educational background, and my involvement in government, in governance over the years, the experience that I’ve gathered to do some things, to correct some things, and build on the good one, I think for this, I’m more than qualified, and to be the governor of the state.”
Legislative Leadership and National Appointments
Popularly known by the nickname Iwaloye, Salaam is a figure in Osun politics. Following the 2011 general election, he was unanimously elected Speaker of the 5th Osun State House of Assembly. His legislative peers returned him to the position in 2015, where he served until 2018, making him one of the state’s longest-serving legislative leaders.
That state-level tenure opened doors to national responsibilities. In 2012, Salaam assumed the role of Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. He subsequently transitioned into executive administration as Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development at Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, where he contributed to expanding the government’s satellite communications initiatives.
The 2026 Gubernatorial Contest and Policy Platform
The upcoming August 15, 2026 election is widely viewed as a contest dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, Salaam is positioning the African Democratic Congress as a credible third-force alternative for voters seeking a departure from the state’s traditional political rivalry, fresh leadership, and policy-driven governance.
His political platform rests upon a comprehensive 10-point development agenda that prioritises education reform, youth employment and empowerment, security, infrastructure renewal, economic growth, healthcare improvement, agricultural development, social welfare, good governance, and institutional reforms. Salaam explained that he is seeking the governorship to build on the achievements of previous administrations and address the state’s current challenges. I’m contesting to build on achievement of past governments that did it well and to correct the challenges that we have today,
Salaam said.
Detailing his vision for governance, the ADC candidate emphasized accountability and people-centered administration. I’m going to develop Osun in a better way and give people the government that belong to them to tell the whole world that my own government is going to be a people-centred government,
he said. For Salaam, the goal remains focused on filling identified gaps to create a better tomorrow: For me to build a better tomorrow, today and tomorrow, I’m going to fill in the gap that I observe are necessary to correct.
Whether that message resonates with the electorate will become clear when Osun voters head to the polls on August 15.
