The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has formally withdrawn from the 2026 governorship race in Osun State, ending weeks of speculation over his political plans.
With less than three weeks to the APC governorship primary slated for December 13, Basiru announced his decision on Saturday in Osogbo during the inauguration of Alubarika House, the secretariat of his political structure.
Addressing a large gathering of party faithful in Alekuwodo, the former Senate spokesperson said he reached the decision after careful reflection on his national assignment and consultations with key stakeholders.
According to him, “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 clarified that stepping aside from the contest should not be interpreted as abandoning the collective progressive agenda of the APC, noting that it represents a renewed commitment to supporting the party’s growth at all levels.
Basiru added that he remains dedicated to working with party leaders, members of the Alubarika Movement and the APC family across Osun and Nigeria to groom emerging leaders who can advance the Renewed Hope vision of President Tinubu.
On the new edifice, he explained that Alubarika House would function as the hub of his political network and a base for empowerment programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation.
He also announced a personal donation of N50 million as a take-off fund for upcoming initiatives to be coordinated through the movement.
