Why I quit Osun Gov race — APC National Secretary

The National Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru on Saturday dropped out of the 2026 Osun gubernatorial ambition. 

Basiru, who is one of the leading gubernatorial aspirants, at the official commissioning of The Alubarika Movement House, Alekuwodo, Osogbo, disclosed that having consulted the leaders of the party especially President Bola Tinubu, he decided to quit the race.

Addressing his supporters named Alubarika Movement, he said “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. 

“The demands of national assignment, particularly the imperative of strengthening our party structures and the responsibilities of preparing for the 2027 general elections, require my unwavering commitment to the unity, success and stability of our party at all levels.”

He noted that his decision does not signify a withdrawal from progressive visions but a renewed pledge to deepen commitment to continue working with leaders of APC in Osun State and Nigeria to nurture and support emerging political leaders in the party. 

Basiru vowed that the Alubarika Movement will work with vigour to support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. 

Speaking about the 2026 Osun Governorship election, he expressed confidence that APC will win, asserting that his party is too formidable for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s government. 

According to him: “I don’t have any doubts that our party, APC is strong enough anywhere to give anybody a run for their money including Osun State.”