APC National Secretary Basiru Withdraws from 2026 Osun Governorship Race

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has formally withdrawn from the race for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State. His decision comes less than three weeks to the APC governorship primary scheduled for December 13, effectively ending speculation over his participation in the contest.

Basiru announced his withdrawal on Saturday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, during the inauguration of Alubarika House, the secretariat of his political movement. Addressing a large gathering of party members and supporters in the Alekuwodo area, he explained that his decision followed careful reflection on his current responsibilities and extensive consultations with key stakeholders within the party.

According to him, his position as National Secretary of the APC requires full attention at a critical time for the ruling party, both at the national level and across the states. He emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly but was guided by the need to strengthen the party’s structures and ensure coordinated leadership ahead of future elections.

I Will Not Contest Osun 2026’ — Basiru Reaffirms Loyalty to APC

In his address, Senator Basiru made a clear and categorical declaration that he would not be on the ballot for the 2026 Osun governorship election. He disclosed that his consultations included discussions with party leaders at ward and local government levels, as well as with the national leadership of the APC.

He specifically mentioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as the Leader of the party and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as one of the key figures involved in the process of consultation. “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,” Basiru said.

The former Senate spokesperson, however, stressed that his withdrawal from the race should not be interpreted as a retreat from progressive politics or from the advancement of the party’s ideals. Instead, he described it as a “renewed pledge” to deepen his commitment to the APC in Osun State and at the national level. He pledged to continue working closely with party leaders, members of the Alubarika Movement and the wider APC family to nurture and support emerging leaders who will align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Alubarika House Launched as Political Hub and Empowerment Centre

Beyond the announcement of his withdrawal, the event in Osogbo also featured the inauguration of Alubarika House, which Basiru described as the new operational base of his political structure. The facility is expected to serve as a convergence point for members of the Alubarika Movement and as a venue for meetings, strategy sessions and political engagements ahead of future electoral cycles.

Senator Basiru disclosed that Alubarika House would not only function as a political secretariat but would also host empowerment programmes for party members and residents of Osun State. As part of this commitment, he announced a donation of N50m as a take-off grant to support planned initiatives under the movement. The programmes, he said, would focus on supporting grassroots participation in politics and improving the welfare of loyal party members.

His associates at the event described the initiative as a signal that, although he is not contesting in 2026, Basiru remains actively involved in shaping political discourse and building structures within the APC in Osun. The secretariat is expected to become a rallying point for discussions around governance, party strategy and leadership grooming in the state.

Thirteen Aspirants Still in Contention for APC Ticket

With Basiru out of the race, attention now turns fully to the remaining aspirants seeking the APC ticket for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State. According to reports, about 13 aspirants are still in contention as the December 13 primary approaches.

Those still in the race include a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare; former Osun Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore; and lawyer Dotun Babayemi, son of the immediate past Olufi of Gbongan. Others are former Osun Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; Chairman, Mutual Assurance Benefits, Akin Ogunbiyi; and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Adegoke.

The withdrawal of a high-profile figure like Basiru is expected to reshape internal calculations within the APC in Osun, as blocs and movements reassess alliances in the build-up to the party primary. Political observers are watching closely to see which aspirant, if any, gains from the realignment of Basiru’s supporters and networks within the state. For now, party leaders are expected to focus on managing competition among aspirants, ensuring internal cohesion and presenting a strong front ahead of the 2026 governorship poll.