Sources have identified the most likely All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the next gubernatorial election in Osun State......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The favored aspirant is Ajibola Basiru, a former senator and the current National Secretary of the party overseeing the Federal Government.
Basiru has emerged as a rallying figure for the APC in its efforts to reclaim the state government from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC lost Osun State to the PDP in the 2022 election, where Ademola Adeleke narrowly denied Gboyega Oyetola a second term.
Since then, Oyetola has been appointed as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, while Basiru has leveraged his strong grasp of local politics to
revitalize
the APC’s statewide structure ahead of the next gubernatorial election.
“And he is not doing a bad job, considering he has become the face of the party at the grassroots across the state, strengthening ties and fostering unity across various support groups within the party,” insiders say.
Basiru has drawn upon his experience as a former two-term commissioner to consistently hold the Adeleke administration accountable on perceived shortcomings, which has helped
solidify
his image as someone who understands what it takes to govern the state.
Despite contrary claims in some circles, Basiru is also seen to maintain a
strong rapport
with former Governor Oyetola—who remains eligible for another term in office.
While some of Oyetola’s supporters suggest he may aim to return as Governor of Osun State, others within the APC power structure disagree.
Rumors suggest that as one of President Bola Tinubu’s trusted aides, Oyetola serves a greater purpose by retaining his role in the Federal Cabinet. Tinubu, expected to seek a second term in 2027, may need his most dependable allies close at hand throughout the process.
“All things being equal, Basiru appears to be the man APC will present as its candidate for the 2026 election,” is the prevailing consensus.