The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam, has promised to provide free education from the elementary to the secondary school level if elected governor in the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

Salam, a former two-term Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, also pledged to review tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions. He said his administration would constitute a committee within its first three months in office to assess the current fee structure with a view to making higher education more affordable in the State.

According to him, every resident of Osun State deserves access to quality education, adding that his administration would work towards restoring the state’s tradition of free education.

The ADC candidate made the promises while speaking on Afinju 90.7 FM’s current affairs programme, Gbagede Ọ̀rọ̀, on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Speaking on speculation about a possible defection if he gets elected as governor in the upcoming election, Salam ruled out leaving the ADC, describing such claims as unfounded. He said he would not risk his political credibility by abandoning the party and expressed confidence in his chances of winning the election.

Reacting to concerns that former Osun State Governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, could influence his administration if elected, Salam dismissed the suggestion, saying Aregbesola is not known for imposing himself on elected officials or attempting to control their governments.

Recall that Salam unveiled a 10-point development manifesto titled “An Osun That Works for All,” on June 1, 2026. The manifesto outlines plan in key sectors, including infrastructure, power supply, workers’ welfare, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development.

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He said his administration would prioritise stable electricity, create about 20,000 jobs for young people, revitalise primary healthcare centres, provide free medication for children, pregnant women and the elderly, and strengthen agricultural development through targeted empowerment programmes.

Addressing criticism over his performance in his hometown of Ejigbo during his tenure as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Salam argued that the constitutional responsibilities of a Speaker differ significantly from those of a governor. He cited youth empowerment initiatives, road rehabilitation projects and employment opportunities facilitated during his time in office as evidence of his contributions to the community.

The former Speaker also promised to run an inclusive administration focused on the welfare of all residents of Osun State. He urged voters to remain peaceful, reject violence and avoid distractions before and during the election.

Salam assured the electorate that, if elected, his administration would faithfully implement the commitments outlined in his manifesto.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 26, 2026, released the final list of candidates for the August 15 governorship election. The list includes incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who is seeking a second term, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and candidates representing other political parties.