The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, announced his withdrawal from the party’s 2026 governorship primary in Osun State, less than three weeks before the scheduled primary on December 13. He made the announcement in Osogbo, the state capital, during the inauguration of Alubarika House, the secretariat of his political movement. Basiru explained that, after consulting with party leaders at ward and local government levels and with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he decided to prioritize his responsibilities as National Secretary and not contest the governorship election.
Basiru stressed that his decision does not signal a retreat from the party’s progressive vision; rather, it reflects a renewed commitment to support emerging leaders within the APC. At the ceremony, he inaugurated Alubarika House as a meeting point for the movement and a venue for empowerment programmes, and he donated N50 million as a start‑up grant for planned initiatives.
With Basiru’s exit, about 13 aspirants remain in the race for the party’s ticket, including former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, and former Senate Committee Chairman on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare. The primary, set for December 13, will be closely watched as the APC seeks to maintain its hold on Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election. Party leaders are expected to face heightened scrutiny as they select a candidate capable of uniting members and appealing to a broader electorate, a factor that will be crucial to the APC’s prospects in the upcoming election.
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