Adesiji, Lani Baderinwa Emerge as Osun ADC New Leaders

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Osun State chapter, on Saturday held its state congress in Osogbo, where a new set of executives emerged to steer the affairs of the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

At the congress, former Chairman of Ilesa West Local Government, Issa Adesiji, was elected as the state chairman, while Lani Baderinwa, a former Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, emerged as the state secretary.

The exercise, which attracted delegates from the thirty local government areas of the state, was conducted under tight security, with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services deployed to maintain law and order. The congress was supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Committee, Mudashiru Akinlabi.

Other executives elected through a consensus arrangement include Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Adesiji charged members of the newly inaugurated executive to brace up for the task ahead, particularly the August 15, 2026 governorship election. He emphasised the need for effective mobilisation, 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, urging party leaders and members to rally support for the ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam.

Adesiji also praised Salaam’s leadership pedigree, noting his eight-year tenure as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly as evidence of his experience and capacity to govern.

Speaking at the event, Salaam, who attended alongside his running mate, Yemisi Agiri, highlighted the rationale behind selecting a female deputy governorship candidate.

According to him, the choice 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,” Salaam said.

He assured residents that, if elected, his administration would run an inclusive government that accommodates all segments of society, irrespective of gender, age, or background