APC National Secretary Exits 2026 Osun Governorship Race, Citing Party Duties.

Ajibola Bashir

By Olukemi Odoh

In a surprising but strategic move, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally withdrawn from the party’s contest for the 2026 governorship of Osun State. His announcement on November 22, 2025, marks a turning point in what had been a crowded field of aspirants vying for APC’s ticket.

Basiru made the declaration in Osogbo during the commissioning of the Alubarika Movement House, the secretariat of his political movement. He told supporters and party faithful that his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders, particularly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that the heavy burden of his current national responsibilities required his full attention. “Considering the enormous responsibilities of my current office as National Secretary and after due consultations, it has become necessary that I shall not be contesting the 2026 Osun State Governorship election,” he said.

The national scribe painted his withdrawal not as a retreat from his political ambitions, but as a realignment of priorities. He insisted this is not a step back from his vision for progressive politics, but rather a renewed commitment to the APC and to nurturing the next generation of leaders in Osun State.

Basiru’s exit comes amid a busy race for the APC ticket, with about 13 aspirants still in contention. Among them are notable figures such as Bola Oyebamiji, the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority; Senator Babajide Omoworare; ex-Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore; and Dotun Babayemi, son of the late Olufi of Gbongan.

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One key reason Basiru cited for his withdrawal was his belief that his institutional role could be more impactful in strengthening APC’s national structure and preparing the party for the 2027 general elections. He argued that the demands of his office required unwavering focus and that he preferred to devote himself fully to that mission.

Moreover, Basiru pledged continued support to President Tinubu’s agenda, both through his Alubarika Movement and via the party’s machinery. He committed his movement to work aggressively toward Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while also building a platform to empower grassroots political actors in Osun.

As part of that commitment, Basiru announced a personal donation of ₦50 million as a take-off grant for the Alubarika Movement’s planned empowerment initiatives. He emphasized that the movement’s new headquarters—the Alubarika House—will serve as a hub not just for political mobilization but also for social development and grassroots engagement.

Reaction within the APC has so far been cautiously optimistic. Some party elders interpret his move as a selfless sacrifice that underscores the seriousness of the primary contest and the strategic importance of party unity. Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, expressed confidence that the party will come out of the primary in a united fashion, regardless of its outcome, and that Basiru’s withdrawal could ease tensions among aspirants.

Political observers see multiple layers to Basiru’s decision. On one level, it could be a tactical retreat: by stepping away, he avoids a potentially bruising battle and preserves his national standing. On another level, it signals a belief that his influence can do more good behind the scenes, particularly in strengthening party infrastructure rather than seeking executive power at the state level.

Basiru’s exit also reshuffles the power dynamics in the Osun APC primary, elevating other aspirants who may now sense a clearer path to the nomination. With a major contender out, the race could intensify around big names like Oyebamiji, Omoworare, Omisore, and Babayemi, all jockeying to define the APC’s future leadership in Osun.

At the same time, the broader political context in Osun is far from settled. The APC has faced internal tensions, notably from former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s faction, which recently left the party amid claims of sidelining. The party must now manage both its primary contest and the lingering fallout from those divisions.

In stepping aside, Basiru frames his decision as consistent with his long-term vision: to deepen the APC’s organizational capacity, support emerging leaders, and help secure its political future. Whether this move ultimately strengthens his influence or simply preserves his relevance will depend on how the primary unfolds, and whether the APC can capitalize on his self-imposed exit to rally around a winning candidate.