In a significant political development, a prominent group has officially endorsed a former deputy governor for the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial race by procuring his nomination forms.
Political Endorsement and Form Presentation
The Osun Ajose Foundation made a substantial political investment on Saturday, November 29, 2025, by purchasing and presenting the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination form to Benedict Alabi, who previously served as deputy governor of Osun State.
The presentation ceremony took place at Alabi's residence in Osogbo, the state capital, where the group's delegation, led by Director-General Mr Moruf Adekunle, formally handed over the form valued at N50 million.
Why Benedict Alabi is Their Choice
Speaking on behalf of the foundation's chairman, member Opeyemi Badmus articulated the group's rationale for backing Alabi's gubernatorial ambition. "We have been in the progressive movement for a while, and when our leader, Benedict Alabi, was the deputy governor of Osun State, we were together, and he did wonderfully well, especially for the youth," Badmus stated.
He further described Alabi as "a bridge builder" and someone who "prioritises the future of the youth." The group considers him "a leader par excellence" and believes purchasing the form represents their concrete support for his political aspirations.
Oladipupo Najeem, the Osun West Senatorial District Coordinator of the Foundation, emphasized Alabi's accessibility to party members and his notable achievements during his previous tenure. Najeem also presented a compelling political argument, noting that since former governor Gboyega Oyetola isn't running, the party leadership should naturally consider Alabi as the successor, drawing an analogy that "whenever a chairman is not around, it's the deputy chairman that takes over affairs of an organisation."
Alabi's Response and Confidence
In his acceptance speech, Benedict Alabi expressed gratitude to the Osun Ajose Foundation for their trust and financial support. He framed his gubernatorial ambition not as a fleeting desire but as a "deep-seated and enduring commitment to the progress of Osun State and the welfare of the residents."
Alabi confidently positioned himself as the most qualified aspirant within the APC, citing his experience as the immediate past deputy governor. "When you look at antecedents, I don't see anybody who has my antecedents in governance," he asserted.
He also expressed strong confidence in his chances of securing the party's ticket, even through consensus, stating "I will be the chosen person." Alabi concluded by emphasizing his unifying qualities, remarking "The party needs a unifier, and in all modesty, I believe I am the lead in the pack."
