Ajibola Basiru announced that he would no longer seek the APC ticket for the 2026 Osun governorship election. He made this known while addressing party members and supporters at the inauguration of his political movement’s secretariat in Osogbo. He explained that the responsibilities of his role as APC National Secretary required his full attention, and that consultations with party leaders at ward, local government, and national levels also guided his decision.
Although he stepped out of the race, he stated that he would still support the party’s plans and continue to work with members of the APC and his movement to help develop new leaders within the party. He also said that his group would remain active in supporting political and social programmes in the state.
During the event, he announced that the new Alubarika House would be used for meetings and empowerment activities. He also approved a donation of ₦50 million to help start planned projects under the movement.
With his exit, about 13 aspirants are still in the race for the APC ticket. These include Bola Oyebamiji, Babajide Omoworare, Iyiola Omisore, Dotun Babayemi, Benedict Alabi, Akin Ogunbiyi, and Kunle Adegoke, among others.