African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Najeem Salaam has declared that he has the political experience to defeat Governor Ademola Adeleke and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji in the Osun governorship election.
Salaam made the statement during a television interview as the three leading contenders prepared for the August 15 election.
“They Are My Juniors in Politics”
Salaam was asked about his chances against Adeleke and Oyebamiji and responded confidently, arguing that his political experience gives him an advantage over his two major opponents.
He described both candidates as his political juniors and said that party affiliation should not determine how political experience is measured.
His central argument was that, if voters are allowed to make their choice on a free and level playing field, he believes he can defeat the two candidates.
“They are my juniors in politics.”
Salaam also expressed confidence that the election result would prove his assessment correct.
Salaam Wants a “Level Playing Ground”
The ADC candidate’s comments were not limited to his political experience.
He repeatedly emphasized the importance of a free, fair and credible election, saying that he believes the outcome would favour him if the process is conducted without interference.
That makes election integrity one of the major themes surrounding his campaign.
The Osun election is attracting considerable attention because Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam are considered the leading contenders in a closely watched three-way contest.
Who Is Najeem Salaam?
Salaam is a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and has a long history in state politics.
His political career includes serving in the Osun Assembly, where he became Speaker in 2011. His background in state-level politics is central to his argument that he has greater political experience than his current rivals.
That experience is now being tested at the highest level of Osun State politics.
Adeleke and Oyebamiji Face a Different Challenge
Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking another term, while Bola Oyebamiji is contesting under the APC platform.
Both candidates have built substantial political campaigns ahead of the election, making Salaam’s confidence particularly notable.
The race has also attracted attention because all three leading candidates come from Osun West Senatorial District, increasing the importance of how their support is distributed across the state’s different local government areas.
Will Salaam’s Prediction Come True?
That is the big question voters will answer at the polls.
Salaam has made his position clear: he believes his political experience, grassroots connections and campaign message are enough to overcome both Adeleke and Oyebamiji.
But political experience alone does not determine an election.
Turnout, voter preferences, party organisation, local political dynamics and the credibility of the voting process could all influence the final outcome.
Osun Decides
With voters heading to the polls, attention is now shifting from campaign statements to what happens on election day.
Salaam’s prediction has added another interesting storyline to an already competitive contest.
Will the ADC candidate’s confidence translate into votes, or will Adeleke or Oyebamiji emerge ahead?
The answer will come from the voters.
NaijaGrove will continue following verified developments from the Osun election and update readers as official information becomes available.