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Tag: Ajibola Basiru

  • Osun 2026: Basiru, ex-lawmakers begin consultations to boost APC chances

    Osun 2026: Basiru, ex-lawmakers begin consultations to boost APC chances

    …forum to finalise reconciliation of guber aspirants 

    As political activities ahead of the Osun State 2026 governorship election gather momentum, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Speakers and other ex-legislators have begun strategic consultations to secure victory for the party’s candidate.

    The meeting, held at Alubarika House, Alekuwodo, Osogbo on Sunday, attracted over 30 former lawmakers, including two ex-Speakers, Timothy Owoeye and Mojeed Alabi.

    Addressing reporters after the meeting, Basiru said the gathering was convened to establish a structure and steering committee that would drive the party’s campaign.

    “This meeting is to formally create a structure and the steering committee for that body to be able to ensure that we strategise and work for the victory of our party in the August 8, 2026 election for our candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and also to work for the success of our party in the 2027 election to President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

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    He added that the forum comprised politicians who had contested and won elections in their constituencies, expressing confidence in their grassroots influence.

    “This is a gathering of people who have contested elections in the various constituencies and have won. We believe they are the people who have control of the grassroots and will be able to work for the success of our party. By August 8, we will know who is popular,” he said.

    Leader of the forum and former Speaker, Mojeed Alabi, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the party’s political position in the state.

    “We met today to constitute ourselves into a formidable force for the purpose of uplifting the political situation of our state,” he said.

    Alabi said members resolved to remain united behind the party’s candidate and engage leaders across different groups.

    “We will meet governorship aspirants from the last primary election to ensure that all issues relating to the selection of the candidate are amicably resolved in a manner that will ensure victory for our party when the election is held on August 8, 2026,” he added.

  • Why I quit 2026 Osun guber race, by APC National Secretary

    Why I quit 2026 Osun guber race, by APC National Secretary

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru on Saturday quit its 2026 Osun State gubernatorial ambition.

    Basiru, who is one of the leading gubernatorial aspirants, at the official commissioning of the Alubarika Movement House, Alekuwodo, Osogbo, disclosed that having consulted the leaders of the party especially President Bola Tinubu, he decided to quit his gubernatorial ambition.

    Addressing his supporters named Alubarika Movement, he said: “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 emphatically state that I shall not be contesting the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.

    “The demands of national assignment, particularly the imperative of strengthening our party structures and the responsibilities of preparing for the 2027 general elections, require my unwavering commitment to the unity, success and stability of our party at all levels.”

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    He noted that his decision does not signify a withdrawal from progressive visions but a renewed pledge to deepen his commitment to continue working with leaders of APC in Osun State and Nigeria to nurture and support emerging political leaders in the party.

    Basiru vowed that the Alubarika Movement will work with all vigour to support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking about the 2026 Osun State Governorship election, he expressed confidence that APC will win the incumbent governor, asserting that his party is too formidable for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s government.

    He added: “I don’t have any doubts that our party, APC is strong enough anywhere to give anybody a run for their money including Osun State.”

  • Senator disowns false claims

    Senator disowns false claims

    Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation has dissociated itself from a publication: “Osun 2026: APC Crisis Deepens as Basiru, Oyebamiji allegedly court Aregbesola”. The organisation described the report as false and a figment of the writer’s imagination. The buildup to Osun 2026 governorship election has given rise to many fabricated stories and baseless allegations aimed at tarnishing the image of Senator Basiru, a leading aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC). The most recent lies are claims that he is courting Aregbesola for reconciliation to support his aspiration and he criticised President Bola Tinubu on the visit of Governor Ademola Adeleke and his family him as reported by Daily Post.

    Basiru refutes this claim, saying Osun APC is not in crisis, and he never made comments about the visit.

     as he believes Governor Ademola Adeleke can see the president as he so desires both on official and private matters and he was not even privy to the discussions that took place during the meeting, as such, he can not air his opinions. As a lawyer of reputable integrity, he would not join the foray of speculations, political gossips, and innuendos that have enveloped the social media space by political toddlers.

    According to a statement released by the campaign’s spokesperson, Prof. Sulieman Ajala, Dr. Basiru remains respectful and loyal to President Tinubu and would never be part of any plan to disrespect or denigrate the president.

    The statement also emphasized that no member of his campaign organisation is connected to such views, and the group operates with discipline, steering clear of insults or disrespect towards anyone especially the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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    Furthermore, Dr. Basiru strongly believes in the core principles of the APC and acknowledges that power comes only from God and through the guidance of the party’s leadership. He has maintained a loyal and respectful relationship with President Tinubu for over two decades as a father and mentor. He is a man of firm ideals and unwavering commitment to the progressive cause,

    Dr. Basiru would never engage in any act, including making overtures, sending emissaries, or building an unholy alliance with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is no longer a member of our party, APC. Dr. Basiru said he has not been in personal or political contact with Aregbesola since 2021.

    “Basiru never did and will not do so as a matter of principle and conviction to any person or group with political interest diametrically opposed to that of President Bola Tinubu. He would not undermine the reputation of the president as his contributions to strengthening the APC, both in Osun State and nationally, have earned him respect within the party structure, Ajala said.

    “I categorically and unequivocally debunk all these allegations in their entirety. They are false, baseless, unfounded, and clearly part of a coordinated smear campaign, “it reads further.

    In conclusion, Dr. Ajibola Basiru warns individuals spreading these malicious and seditious lies to desist immediately. Dr. Basiru remains focused on serving the party and the people, and he will continue to uphold the values of loyalty, humility, and integrity.

  • PDP can register as new political party, if too weakened to win elections—Basiru

    PDP can register as new political party, if too weakened to win elections—Basiru

    • Receives PDP defectors in Osun ahead 2026

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress   (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to register as a new political party if its leadership feels it is too weak to win elections.

    Basiru advised while responding to questions from newsmen shortly after receiving PDP leaders and hundreds of their supporters who defected to the APC in Osogbo.

    Basiru said: “By constitutional provision, Nigeria can’t be a one-party state, because section 221 of the constitution allows people to vie for offices with the instrumentality of political parties, and there are procedures for the registration of political parties.

    “If PDP today believed they have become so weakened and battered that the party is no longer a mechanism for elections, they should go and register as another political entity but as far as I am concerned, we are committed to building a party that is virile that resonate with the masses of Nigeria people.”

    The APC scribe said President Bola Tinubu has shown true and courageous leadership and is steering the ship of Nigeria towards international recognition, an effort that is enjoying international rating and recognition from global economic and financial bodies.

    Commenting about the 2026 Osun state guber election, he said APC will unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke, tasking members to continue to work towards getting back the state from the present leadership.

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    “The present Osun government can’t benefit the Osun people, the government has failed in so many sectors like the education, health sector, and Agriculture. Despite the quantum increase in the allocation of the state has not reflected in terms of qualitative governance in Osun State.”

    Basiru, on behalf of the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, presented the party’s symbols to the leaders of the new members: Alhaji Tajudeen Adekunle and Mr. Ismail Adisa, known as Adogan.

    Among other APC stalwarts who graced the event were Osun Central Senatorial leader, Honourable Adeoye Adelakun, and the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adegboye Akintunde.

  • Basiru: APC not turning Nigeria into one-party state

    Basiru: APC not turning Nigeria into one-party state

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru has dismissed claims that the ruling party is steering the country towards a one-party system.

    Basiru, who spoke on the television last night, dismissed insinuation that defections to the APC is driven by the intimidation of the opposition parties.

    He said the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC underscored their acknowledgment of the progress being made by the APC administration at the centre.

    Basiru said: “How can we turn Nigeria into a one-party state? The country is not our making. I think the problem with Nigeria is that we don’t seem to have people who are very serious in opposition, who take their job seriously. You cannot expect the ruling party to do the work of the opposition.”

     Basiru urged the media to assess the inactivity of opposition parties, in contrast with the APC’s efforts at building a robust, grassroots structure across the country.

    He added: “Tomorrow is a working day. Go around the headquarters of all other political parties and see whether you find any activity going on. One of the cardinal policies of our party since Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje assumed leadership is to build a functional and efficient party structure in every ward, local government, and state in Nigeria. And that is what we are doing.’

     Basiru recalled that when the APC was in the opposition, it maintained its vigour, despite pressures and investigations.

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    He stressed: “When we were in opposition, Bola Tinubu, for instance, in the Southwest, was the only surviving governor after the 2003 elections. Even with the harassment people talk about, the now National Security Adviser said that the then-governor was the most investigated by the EFCC.

    “After leaving office, he was arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal and went through a full trial. He did not abandon the party. Rather, we moved from one state to another, trying to expand the scope of our activities.”

    Basiru dismissed the allegations that the APC had resorted to using state machinery and security agencies to intimidate the opposition as unfounded, saying that opposition leaders only indulge in a blame game.

    He said: “Look, Amílcar Cabral said: ‘Tell no lie, claim no easy victory.’ When you are in opposition and you begin to lie to yourself about what is wrong with your party—and lay the blame where it doesn’t belong—you’re only making excuses.

    “Before today, at least, 15 members of the House of Representatives from the Labour Party (LP), SDP, PDP, NNPP, and others have defected to the APC. Some of them are first-timers. Have they even served two years? Do they have issues with the EFCC? Three senators, including the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, also joined the APC.

    “Just today, Hon. Wale Oke from the Oriade/Obokun Constituency defected. Do any of these individuals have pending cases with the EFCC or ICPC?”

    Basiru hailed the Delta defections, saying their defections have affirmed the APC’s rising influence.

    He added: “Two weeks ago, I was in Agbor when the Delta Unity Group, led by the chairman of the NDDC and including the daughter of former Governor James Ibori, joined the APC. The uproar this has caused is likely because the opposition understands how critical Delta is to their agenda.

    “I must give credence to the sagacity of not just the President, but also the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the leadership of our party’s National Working Committee (NEC).

    “We are out there, going around like Jehovah’s Witnesses. apologies to members of that religious group. proselytising and spreading our party’s vision across every nook and cranny of Nigeria.”

    Basiru denied that the defectors were coerced, saying: “President Tinubu will not coerce anyone. He is a democrat to the heart.”

  • Why I’m rejecting NES award, by Basiru

    Why I’m rejecting NES award, by Basiru

    National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has rejected the award of Excellence in Leadership to be conferred on him by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), Osun State chapter.

    He accused Osun State Government of manipulating NES, following the abrupt postponement of the award, due to what he described as undue political interference and manipulation by the state government.

    NES had in a letter dated 7th April, 2025 signed by its Chairman, Prof. Adeleke Aremo and Secretary, Adewale Sam-Aliyu, informed Basiru of the postponement of the award slated for April 11, hinging their decision on unexpected turn of events, logistic and security complexities. No new date was fixed.

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    Faulting the postponement and rejecting the award, Basiru in a letter signed by his Special Adviser, Legal and Political Strategy, Othuke Amata Aso, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation, said the society had compromised the integrity of the award.

    Basiru criticised the NES for what he described as an unprofessional communication regarding the “postponement” of the ceremony, calling the letter “convoluted” and “hastily prepared.”

    Expressing dismay at the abrupt cancellation of the award, which was labelled a “postponement,” Basiru said the April 7 letter was lacking coherence and clarity.”

    The APC national secretary alleged external interference as the primary cause for the cancellation of the award ceremony.

    According to him, “sources within the ranks of the NES, Osun chapter revealed that the pressure to cancel the award ceremony came from the Osun State Government, specifically Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    “The real reason for this shameful retreat is the undue pressure and shenanigans exerted by the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Adeleke, on the leadership of your society.”

    The APC secretary accused the Osun State administration of lacking excellence and being politically motivated, specifically calling out what he described as “mediocrity” and “cheap politicking” on the part of the state’s leadership.

    Basiru, who initially hesitated to accept the award due to his skepticism towards honorary awards, accepted it after encouragement from well-meaning colleagues and friends.

    He has, however, rejected the recognition, saying the actions of NES Osun State chapter represent “a stain on its reputation” and a “disservice to the very ideals it purports to champion.”

    Basiru advised NES Osun State chapter to find a way to redeem itself and rise above political influence, reinforcing that merit should not be “subverted by the whims of those in power.”

  • Osun 2026: Consensus guber candidate likely by leaders in APC —Basiru

    Osun 2026: Consensus guber candidate likely by leaders in APC —Basiru

    The National Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has said that the party guber candidate for Osun State in 2026 election may emerge through a consensus arrangement by the leaders of the party. 

    He said the party may not rule the arrangement out considering the antecedents in Ondo and Edo States where several aspirants vied for the party ticket but was resolved through a consensus arrangement. 

    Speaking at the launch of grassroots mobilisers for APC across the state under the auspices of Alubarika Movement, held on Sunday noted that APC is united and strong in Osun State which will sack Governor Ademola Adeleke from government in 2026. 

    He expressed confidence that primary election of APC will not result to crisis within the party ahead 2026 election.

    He said: “The primary election will be free and fair but I can assure you that the candidate may emerge from consensus arrangements by leadership of the party.

    “APC can not be divided. Our party is a party of leadership and as I said, everybody that is a member of the party has legitimate desire to ensure that we have a candidate that will be able to deliver and defeat the PDP. 

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    “In Ondo state for instance, there were 16 aspirants and we were able to get the right candidate that was able to deliver for the party. The same thing in Edo, we have more than 16 there and we resolved the matter. Everybody has the right to aspire to be leadership in the party.”

    He scored the administration of Ademol Adeleke very low noting that, “PDP in Osun has failed in the area of education, health, empowerment. Will it not suprise you that the budget of the governor’s house is far more than the budget of agriculture, education and health combined.”

    “It is a government that has no direction. Even the so called flyover they are doing, it’s being done without any project management sense and it shows lack of coordination, lack of leadership and lack of focus of the government.”

    Commenting about rifts within Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), he said “Ambition of a few individuals is what is causing the rift within the opposition party and it is to the joy of us as a ruling party if they don’t get their house together. It is not our job to help them put their house in order.”

    Earlier, the State Chairman of Alubarika Movement, Alhaji Kehinde Olagoke, said APC mobilisers will move to units, wards and local government areas to win as many people to the progressive fold. 

  • APC Secretary Basiru to speak on Tinubu’s policies at Ibadan NBA event

    APC Secretary Basiru to speak on Tinubu’s policies at Ibadan NBA event

    As part of activities marking the 2024 Law Week and 70th anniversary of Ibadan Branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, . Segun Sowunmi, will on Wednesday, beam a searchlight on the economic situation of the country.

    They will engage in discussion on a lecture titled: ‘State of the Nation: The Tinubu Administration’s Economic Agenda and Policy: How far, so far?’

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    The session will be chaired by Chief Charles Olujinmi, SAN, (former Attorney General and Justice Minister), while Dr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, (SAN) will moderate, with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the Special Guest of Honour.

    While Basiru, a lawyer, is expected to justify the economic policies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, Sowunmi will critique it.

    The Chairman of the Law Week and 70th Anniversary Committee, Mr. Adebayo Ojo (SAN), said: “The lecture is dedicated to the memory of the Ibadan NBA Branch’s distinguished patron, past president of NBA and former governor of Ondo State, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN”.

  • Adeleke’s sister, brother call shots in Osun affairs, Basiru alleges

    Adeleke’s sister, brother call shots in Osun affairs, Basiru alleges

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Senator Ajibola Basiru has queried the power structure in Osun State. 

    He said Osun residents must ask who really their Governor is to know who is in charge. 

    Speaking with newsmen in his Osogbo residence, Basiru said: “For the government of Ademola Adeleke, the time of reckoning will come from January 2025, they said they are opening roads, let us wait and see. 

    “For a state that they claimed is heavily indebted to the tune of N400 billion and they said they have raised another N100b for infrastructure, for me, the first question to ask is this, Who is the governor of Osun State? Is it the governor’s sister or brother or the one that was elected. 

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    “Let Osun State people ask them. How many commissioners are truly functioning like a commissioner?

    ” Most of them are not operating from the ministries of government. As of today, Osun State is on auto pilot, there is heterogeneity of power focus in the state, everybody does his own, the sister, brother…they said he stays in his sister’s boys quarters, you can ask them.”

    However, Osun Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi berated Basiru, saying “Governor Adeleke is fully in-charge of Osun State as the sister is not signatory to any memo.”

    He said: “it is difficult to criticize the government because of unprecedented infrastructural developments that Adeleke commenced throughout Osun State that is why the opposition is reduce to sentiment. 

    “The Governor’s sister is not signatory to any memo, the commissioners are fully in-charge. I don’t expect such comment from a person that has PhD in Law.”