National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ajibola Basiru, says he has withdrawn from the 2026 Osun State governorship race to focus on strengthening the party ahead of upcoming national elections.
Basiru announced his decision at the commissioning of the Alubarika Movement House in Osogbo, explaining that consultations with party leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, convinced him to shelve his ambition. He noted that his duties as National Secretary require full attention as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections.
“Considering the enormous responsibilities of my current office and after due consultations with our leaders and stakeholders, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I shall not be contesting the 2026 Osun Governorship Election,” he said.
Basiru stressed that stepping down from the race does not diminish his commitment to progressive ideals, adding that he will continue working with Osun and national APC leaders to strengthen the party and support emerging political figures. He also pledged that the Alubarika Movement will work tirelessly to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
On the Osun election, Basiru expressed confidence that the APC remains strong enough to defeat the incumbent government, declaring that the party is “formidable enough anywhere to give anybody a run for their money, including in Osun State.”
