Dare Babalola
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed circulating videos and social media posts suggesting that the party has already chosen a candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The dismissal came from the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, via his X account on Wednesday.
The party’s clarification comes after speculation emerged that Dr Najeem Salam had emerged as its candidate, but the ADC spokesman insisted the claim is baseless, stating that the party has not “picked” a candidate yet.
His post read, “The African Democratic Congress would like to affirm our earlier statement that videos and social media posts claiming that the party has ‘picked’ a candidate are false and should be disregarded.
“For the purpose of conducting the primaries to elect the party’s flagbearer for the 2026 governorship election in Osun, a timetable has been released and widely publicised. All aspirants are urged to adhere strictly to the guidelines.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the ADC remains committed to the highest standards of internal democracy, anchored on a free, fair and transparent electoral process.”
Recall that the state governor, Ademola Adeleke officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, citing the ongoing leadership crisis within the party as the reason for his departure.
In a letter dated November 4, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde, in Ede North Local Government, Osun State, Adeleke expressed gratitude to the party for providing him the platform to serve as Senator representing Osun West and as Governor of Osun State.
Adeleke’s resignation comes amid speculation about his future political plans, with rumors suggesting he might join the Accord Party ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.
The Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, hinted that Adeleke would announce his new political party before December 13, 2025.
