APC’s Path to Success: Proposal for 2026 Governorship Bid in Osun State

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has a crucial decision to make in choosing its aspirant for the 2026 governorship election in Osun state. Judging by the popularity of the party in the state and the current messing up of governance under the present administration of Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke, APC has a fairer chance of winning the 2026 election. However, victory in an election is not a tea party. It starts with choosing the right candidate as the party flag bearer. So serious efforts and pragmatic actions have to be ensured. The party's decision on the choice of its candidate must be based on indices that would lead to success. To ensure victory in the 2026 Osun state governorship election, APC must therefore consider some critical factors that are assuring of its success

Firstly the voting blocs in Osun state must be considered. In Osun electoral politics three major cities have heavy voting strengths. These are Osogbo, Ede, and Ile Ife, in that order. If PDP is returning Governor Ademola Adeleke from Ede as its flagbearer and choosing his deputy governor from Ile-Ife, APC must consider its candidate from Osogbo and its deputy from either Ife or Ilesa.

Secondly, APC should consider choosing a candidate that has deeper experience in election politics. Somebody who has stood for election and won in the past, and somebody who has served as election manager at various levels, including managing elections at the national level, must be considered.

Besides, for APC to have a better chance in the forthcoming governorship election, the choice of its candidate must be informed by national appeal. Thus, choosing a candidate for the party must consider someone who has a strong, widespread national alliance within the party. This is very important as the role of our party's national structure can not be over-emphasized in election success. The party needs a grassroots politician and somebody who clearly understands the political landscape of Osun State. Our party needs an energetic and bulldozer candidate who is ready to lead the election battle by penetrating all the nooks and crannies in the state. Somebody who typifies community political engagement.

While as APC stands today, many governorship potentials abound in the party, not all share those factors to their credit. A careful and data-driven analysis of governorship potentials in APC shows that Senator Ajibola Basiru has the tallest profiles following the above success factors.

Therefore, in consideration of the above, appeals must be made to Senator Ajibola Basiru to show interest in the 2026 Osun state governorship election. Appeal should also be made to our party, APC to consider Senator Ajibola Basiru if he shows interest.

Senator Ajibola Basiru is from Osogbo, the biggest electoral catchment city in Osun state. Having had a successful contest in a previous senatorial election and being an unblemished son of the city, one is of the very greatest hope that Osogbo votes would be massively given to Senator Ajibola Basiru than any other person. This is more assuring, judging from the nepotic character of Governor Ademola Adeleke who had diverted 96% of the entire infrastructural development to his Ede town, as he also ridiculously failed to shift MKO Abiola airport from Ido Osun to Ede. Every town and city in Osun state now aspires to produce a Governor in the state to accelerate its local infrastructure.

In addition, Senator Ajibola Basiru has certain personal qualities that stand him tall among other governorship potentials in Osun APC. Firstly he has a rich background in law and politics. This he has deployed on many occasions at his local and national politics. He wittingly used his wisdom to checkmate the bullying of Governor Ademola Adeleke during the Idel Kabir prayer in Osogbo Muslims’ praying ground in 2023. Recently, in the 2024 Edo state governorship election, it was due to his legal and political wisdom that embarrassingly led to the exit of the then-serving governor Obaseki from the premises of the INEC office, where he attempted to compromise the Edo election results, which were being collated. That singular action largely owes Edo state APC the success of the governorship election. Basiru understands the tricks of election politics, which he had engaged on many occasions to earn success in election management. 

As a former Senator who represented Osun Central Senatorial District from 2019 to 2023, he has shown a deep understanding of the state’s challenges and opportunities. By that quality, he has contested in two general elections and directed three other governorship elections in Osun State. In addition, his experience in the Senate and as a spokesman of the Senate has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex policy issues and build coalitions to drive progress.

Basiru’s commitment to public service is evident in his previous roles as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State, as well as Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties. His leadership style is characterized by transparency, accountability, and a willingness to listen to the concerns of the people.

If chosen as our party’s governorship candidate, Basiru will fulfill his outlined comprehensive vision for Osun State, focusing on economic development, education, healthcare, social well-being, and infrastructure. He would harness the state’s potential to create jobs and improve the standard of living for all citizens.

One of Basiru’s greatest strengths is his ability to connect with the people of Osun State. He is a grassroots politician who understands the needs and aspirations of the ordinary citizen. His campaign will generate significant enthusiasm and support among the people. He is a beacon of hope for a better future.

As the people of Osun State prepare for the upcoming governorship election in 2026, Senator Ajibola Basiru stands out as a would-be candidate who can deliver the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party in the state. Dr. Ajibola Basiru is an exceptional leader with outstanding quality of integrity, and dedication to public service, needed to rescue APC in the next governorship election.

We therefore plead that Senator Ajibola Basiru, the current National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), should throw his hat into the ring and vie for the governorship seat in Osun State.

In conclusion, Senator Ajibola Basiru is an exemplary leader with the vision, integrity, and dedication required to transform Osun State. His experience, leadership style, and commitment to public service make him an ideal candidate for the governorship seat. As the people of Osun State go to the polls, our party and the people of Osun should consider Basiru’s impressive credentials and vote for a brighter future for themselves and their children.

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