The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2026 Osun State governorship election, Najeem Salaam, has conceded defeat and congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election.

Salaam, in a statement posted on his X handle following the declaration of the election results, said the decision of the electorate must be respected, stressing that democracy gives citizens the right to choose their preferred leaders.

He said, “At the end of the day, the choice of the people must prevail,” adding that political differences should not be allowed to threaten the peace, unity and brotherhood of the people of Osun State.

According to him, the outcome of the election is a reminder that every political contest must produce a winner, while those who lose must accept the decision of the electorate.

“Today, the people have spoken, and their choice must be respected. As Omoluabi, we must understand that politics is not a do-or-die affair,” Salaam said.

He urged Adeleke to use his renewed mandate as an opportunity to reflect on areas where his administration may have fallen short, improve governance and consolidate on its achievements.

“Governance is a continuous process, and every administration has areas that require reflection, correction and improvement,” he said.

Salaam also called on the governor to prioritise the collective interest of Osun residents beyond political affiliations, saying the state belongs to everyone.

“Beyond party lines and political differences, our collective responsibility is to build a state where every citizen can live with dignity, security and hope for a better future,” he said.

He wished Adeleke a successful second term, praying that it would bring greater development, peace and prosperity to the people of Osun State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner of the keenly contested election.

The governor polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 444,815 votes.

Salaam finished a distant third with 17,180 votes.
The result was announced by the Returning Officer for the election, Joshua Ogunwole, at the INEC Collation Centre in Osogbo in the early hours of Sunday.

The election featured 15 political parties, while INEC said 1,906,390 Permanent Voter Cards had been collected in the state.

Salaam’s concession brings him among the political actors who have publicly acknowledged the outcome of the election, with his message emphasising the need for political tolerance and unity in Osun after the fiercely contested poll.

“Politics is not a do-or-die affair. The people have spoken, democracy has prevailed,” he said.