The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has withdrawn from the 2026 governorship race in Osun State.
Basiru announced his decision in Osogbo on Saturday during the inauguration of Alubarika House, which serves as the secretariat of his political movement. His withdrawal came less than three weeks before the APC governorship primary scheduled for December 13.
He informed party members and supporters gathered in Alekuwodo that he reached the decision after weighing his responsibilities at the national level and consulting political stakeholders across wards and local government areas.
Basiru said his role as National Secretary required full attention and that consultations with party leaders, including Tinubu, guided his choice.
He said that after considering the “enormous responsibilities” of his office and holding discussions with the President and other stakeholders, he concluded that he would not contest the 2026 Osun governorship election.
He explained that his decision should not be seen as a withdrawal from the party’s collective vision.
According to him, stepping down represented a renewed commitment to support the APC in nurturing emerging leaders who would align with the Renewed Hope agenda.
Basiru added that the newly inaugurated Alubarika House would serve as a meeting point for his movement and a centre for empowerment programmes.
He also announced a fifty million naira donation as a take-off grant for planned initiatives.
With his withdrawal, about thirteen aspirants remain in the race for the APC ticket. Those still in the contest include former NIWA managing director Bola Oyebamiji, former Senate Committee chairman on Rules and Business Babajide Omoworare, former Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore and lawyer Dotun Babayemi.
Others are former Osun Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, insurance expert Akin Ogunbiyi and senior advocate Kunle Adegoke.
