The national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has formally withdrawn from the 2026 Osun State governorship race, ending weeks of speculation about his political plans ahead of the party’s primary election. The announcement was made on Saturday during the commissioning of his new political hub, Alubarika House, in Osogbo.
Speaking to party faithful and supporters, Basiru said the decision became necessary after extensive consultations with national and state stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as the leader of the APC. He stressed that the weight of responsibilities attached to his office as national secretary required full concentration and commitment.
According to him, contesting the governorship election would be a distraction from his duties at the APC national secretariat, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. He added that prioritising the stability and growth of the party at the national level was more important at this time.
Basiru explained that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a retreat from service to Osun State, noting that he remains committed to contributing to the party’s victory in the 2026 governorship election. He expressed belief that the APC has the capacity to reclaim Osun from the current administration if internal unity and strategic mobilisation are strengthened.
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The APC scribe used the occasion to unveil the Alubarika Movement’s operational base, announcing a ₦50 million take-off support for new empowerment and political engagement programmes. He said the initiative would serve as a platform for grooming emerging leaders and strengthening grassroots political structures across Osun State.
He assured his supporters that his political organisation would continue to play an active role in mobilising voters, building alliances and supporting credible candidates who can drive development and good governance in the state. Basiru appealed to his loyalists not to be discouraged by his withdrawal but to realign with the party’s broader agenda.
The former senator emphasised that his focus would now shift to consolidating President Tinubu’s re-election efforts and ensuring that the APC remains firmly positioned for national victory. According to him, the president’s directive and counsel played a significant role in shaping his final decision.
Basiru also addressed speculations surrounding zoning within the Osun APC, reiterating his long-held belief that competence, capacity and party loyalty should outweigh regional sentiments in determining the party’s flagbearer. He maintained that the APC must present its strongest candidate to win the 2026 race.
His withdrawal narrows the contest within the APC, leaving other aspirants such as Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Dotun Babayemi, Benedict Alabi, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and others to battle for the ticket. Political observers say Basiru’s exit may reshape internal alignments as the race gathers momentum.
Basiru concluded by urging APC members to remain united, disciplined and focused on victory, noting that reclaiming Osun State requires collaboration above personal ambition. He assured party stakeholders that he would continue to provide leadership and support wherever necessary to advance the party’s success.
