The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has given reasons for his withdrawal from the Osun governorship race less than three weeks before the party’s primary scheduled for December 13.
APC National Secretary, Senator Basiru, on Saturday formally announced his exit from the governorship contest, ending weeks of speculation over his political intentions ahead of the 2026 election in Osun State.
Basiru made the declaration in Osogbo during the inauguration of Alubarika House, the new secretariat of his political movement. He said the decision followed extensive consultations and a clear assessment of the demands of his current national role.
Citing the weight of his responsibilities as the party’s National Secretary and consultations with key leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Basiru said it had become necessary to step aside.
“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 emphatically state that I shall not be contesting the 2026 Osun State governorship election,” he said.
Basiru emphasised that his withdrawal should not be viewed as a retreat from the progressive ideals he shares with party members.
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Instead, he described it as a renewed resolve to continue supporting the APC in Osun and nationally, and to help groom emerging leaders aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda.
He also announced the completion of Alubarika House, which he said would serve as the operational base of his political movement and support future empowerment initiatives. Basiru donated N50 million as a take-off fund for upcoming programmes.
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His exit leaves about 13 aspirants still in the race, including former NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji; former Senate Committee Chairman Senator Babajide Omoworare; former Deputy Governor Senator Iyiola Omisore; and legal practitioner Dotun Babayemi.
Others are former Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, insurance executive Akin Ogunbiyi, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Adegoke.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
