By Funmi Ojo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Osun State chapter, on Saturday in Osogbo, conducted its state congress, electing a new set of executives.
Delegates drawn from the thirty local government areas of the state participated in the congress.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services were on the ground to maintain law and order during the exercise, which was supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Committee, Mudashiru Akinlabi.
Former chairman of Ilesa West Local Government, Mr Issa Adesiji, emerged as the state chairman, while Lani Baderinwa, a former Commissioner for Information under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, was elected the state secretary.
Some of the other executives elected through a consensus arrangement were Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Adesiji enjoined 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.
Mr Adesiji also praised Dr 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.
The party’s governorship candidate, Dr Salaam, who was at the exercise, alongside his running mate, Mrs Yemisi Agiri, laid emphasis on the rationale behind selecting a female deputy governorship candidate.
He explained that the choice of Mrs Agiri reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender balance, and broader representation in leadership.
“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.”
Dr Salaam assured residents of the state that, if elected, his administration would run a government that accommodates all segments of society, irrespective of gender, age, or background.
Edited by Olaolu Fawole
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