The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has voiced his firm belief that divine providence will secure victory for his party in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Speaking on Saturday during the grand 60th birthday celebration of his long-time ally and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam, Aregbesola delivered his message with confidence and conviction.
The event, which drew political figures, academics, and community leaders from across the state, served as both a reunion of old associates and a platform for political reflection.
Addressing the dignitaries present, Aregbesola acknowledged the attendance of the current Speaker of the Osun Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, and a representative of the state governor. With a diplomatic tone, he made it clear that his statement was not intended to offend anyone. Nevertheless, he maintained his position: “I don’t want to offend the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, or the representative of the governor. But I am very sure that it is our own that God will do.”
The ceremony also featured an intellectual highlight — a keynote lecture delivered by Professor Shola Omotola on the theme: “Legislative Contributions to the Sustenance of Nigeria’s Democracy since 1999: Hurdles We Must Overcome.”
Professor Omotola, a respected political scientist, underscored the critical role of the legislature in safeguarding democracy, while lamenting the frequent and unchecked phenomenon of political defections.
He noted that the persistent habit of politicians switching party affiliations without legal consequences undermines party stability, disrupts governance continuity, and weakens the legislature’s ability to deliver on its constitutional responsibilities.
He identified party defection as one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s democratic development, warning that if left unchecked, it could erode public trust and hinder democratic consolidation.
To address these challenges, Omotola called for far-reaching reforms within the political party system. His recommendations included strengthening internal party democracy to ensure transparency and inclusiveness, as well as instituting clear and enforceable legal sanctions against indiscriminate party switching. Such measures, he argued, would discourage opportunistic defections and promote political discipline.
In his goodwill remarks, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Wale Egbedun, showered encomiums on Hon. Najeem Salam, describing him as a distinguished leader whose tenure in the legislature remains a benchmark for effective parliamentary leadership.
“You have always been my role model,” Egbedun said warmly. “The 8th Assembly is proud to associate with you. I promised my constituents that I would relocate to my community if they elected me, and I fulfilled that promise because I learned from you — the only Speaker in Osun’s history who firmly held his house together.”
The atmosphere at the event was a blend of celebration and sober reflection, with guests not only honouring the life and achievements of Najeem Salam but also engaging in discussions about the future of Osun politics, the importance of party discipline, and the need for a stronger democratic culture in Nigeria.
As the ADC prepares for the political battles ahead, Aregbesola’s remarks signal a confident posture for the party, while Professor Omotola’s advocacy for reforms reinforces the call for a more principled and accountable political system.