APC Candidate Pulls Out of Osun 2026 Governorship Race

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has withdrawn from the contest for the party’s 2026 governorship ticket in Osun State.

His decision comes less than three weeks before the APC primary slated for December 13. Basiru made the announcement in Osogbo on Saturday during the inauguration of Alubarika House, the headquarters of his political movement.

Basiru, who had consulted party leaders across wards and local governments on his ambition, told supporters in Alekuwodo that he opted out after assessing his duties and holding discussions with key stakeholders.

He explained: “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 state that I shall not be contesting the 2026 Osun State governorship election.”

He stressed that stepping aside “does not mean withdrawing from our collective progressive goals,” describing it instead as a renewed commitment to work with APC leaders and members of the Alubarika Movement to groom emerging leaders who will advance the Renewed Hope agenda.

Basiru said the newly inaugurated Alubarika House would serve as a hub for his movement and a venue for various empowerment activities. He also pledged N50m as a take-off fund for upcoming programmes.

About 13 aspirants remain in the race for the APC ticket, including former NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji; former Senate Committee Chairman on Rules and Business, Senator Babajide Omoworare; former Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore; legal practitioner Dotun Babayemi; former Osun Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi; insurance executive Akin Ogunbiyi; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Adegoke.