In a significant political development, Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially withdrawn from the 2026 governorship race in Osun State.
Focus on Party Strength Over Personal Ambition
The prominent Osun-born politician announced his decision during the official commissioning of the Alubarika Movement House in Alekuwodo, Osogbo, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Basiru explained that his withdrawal stems from his commitment to building a formidable and strong party structure rather than pursuing personal political ambitions.
He revealed that his decision followed extensive consultations with APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu. As the party's national secretary, Basiru emphasized he carries enormous responsibilities that require his full attention to strengthen the APC's capacity to deliver good governance to Nigerians.
Confidence in APC's Electoral Prospects
Despite stepping aside, Basiru expressed strong confidence in the APC's ability to contest and win the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State. He firmly stated that Osun cannot be excluded from the party's victory prospects, whether his name appears on the ballot or not.
This development comes months after another significant political figure, Gboyega Oyetola, the former Osun governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, also dropped his re-election bid for the 2026 governorship election. Oyetola served as Osun governor between 2018 and 2022 before losing his re-election bid to Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Political Implications for Osun APC
The withdrawal of two major political heavyweights from the Osun governorship race creates new dynamics within the state's APC structure. Oyetola had previously declared that winning Osun State for APC in 2026 is non-negotiable, despite stepping down from the race himself.
During a meeting co-presided by the state's APC chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, and Chairman of Elders' Caucus, Chief Sola Akinwumi, Oyetola expressed confidence in the competence of all remaining APC aspirants. His withdrawal surprised many political observers who had anticipated he would contest to complete what would have been his second term tenure.
The stage is now set for other APC bigwigs who have expressed interest in the party's ticket to contest the primary elections. The developments signal strategic repositioning within the ruling party as it prepares for the crucial 2026 governorship election in the southwest state.
