By Jeleel Olawale
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has stepped down for the party’s ticket in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
His withdrawal comes less than three weeks before the APC governorship primary slated for December 13.
Basiru announced his decision on Saturday in Osogbo during the inauguration of Alubarika House, the new headquarters of his political movement. Addressing a large gathering of party supporters in Alekuwodo, the former Senate spokesperson said he reached the decision after extensive consultations and careful consideration of his responsibilities.
“Considering the enormous responsibilities of my current office as National Secretary of our great party, and after due consultations with our esteemed leaders and stakeholders, particularly the Leader of our party and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it has become necessary to state emphatically that I shall not be contesting the 2026 Osun State governorship election,” he said.
Basiru emphasized that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as disengagement from party affairs. Rather, he described it as a renewed commitment to supporting the APC’s growth and nurturing emerging leaders aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
On the newly opened Alubarika House, he explained that the facility would serve as a hub for meetings, political activities, and empowerment programmes. He also announced a N50 million take-off grant to support upcoming initiatives.
With Basiru’s exit, about 13 aspirants remain in the race for the APC ticket. They include former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji; former Senate Committee Chairman on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare; former Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore; and lawyer Dotun Babayemi, son of the late Olufi of Gbongan.
Others still in contention are former Osun Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi; Mutual Assurance Benefits Chairman, Akin Ogunbiyi; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Adegoke.