Osun 2026: Why Basiru Ajibola Must Step Down As APC National Secretary Now By Olawale Apara
The recent declaration by Barrister Basiru Ajibola, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to contest for the 2026 Osun State governorship ticket raises serious ethical and political concerns. His continued stay in office while vying for the party’s ticket contradicts the principles of fairness, transparency, and internal democracy. Ajibola must step down to ensure a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the party’s nomination process.
Basiru’s role as the APC National Secretary places him at the heart of party administration, including critical decisions regarding primaries and candidate selection. His influence over party structures, guidelines, and internal mechanisms gives him an undue advantage over other aspirants.
By remaining in office, he creates a conflict of interest, he cannot be both a contestant and a key decision-maker in a process that will determine the party’s governorship candidate.
The principle of natural justice states that no one should be a judge in their own case, and his continued stay violates this basic tenet.
For APC to maintain its credibility, it must enforce internal democracy and ensure that all aspirants have an equal chance. If Ajibola remains in his position, it will raise suspicions of bias, favoritism, or undue influence in the selection process.
This could lead to internal party crises, grievances from other aspirants, and a lack of confidence in the primary election’s outcome. To prevent any controversy or pre-election litigations, stepping down is the best course of action.
If Senator Basiru Ajibola refuses to resign, it sets a dangerous precedent for future elections. It would mean that party executives can hold onto their influential positions while contesting for office, creating an uneven playing field and undermining democratic principles.
APC, as the ruling party, should demonstrate leadership by enforcing rules that promote fairness and credibility in its internal processes.
At the launch of his campaign platform, the Alubarika Movement, Ajibola openly discussed the direction the party would take in selecting its governorship candidate.
This further confirms his active involvement in the race, making it unfair for him to continue as the National Secretary.
His statements suggest he has inside knowledge of the selection process, raising concerns about whether he can remain impartial in handling party affairs.
Senator Basiru Ajibola must follow the ethical and democratic path by stepping down as APC National Secretary.
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By doing so, the party; APC will achieve four basic and important things:
1. Ensure a Free and Fair Primary Process: His resignation will eliminate any suspicion of manipulation in favor of his candidacy.
2. Uphold the Party’s Reputation: APC must avoid internal conflicts that could damage its credibility ahead of the 2026 election.
3. Promote Ethical Leadership: His resignation will demonstrate commitment to fairness and set an example for future contests.
4. Prevent Legal and Political Challenges: Other aspirants may challenge his continued stay in office, leading to unnecessary legal battles and division within the party.
Basiru Ajibola must choose between being a party administrator or a governorship aspirant, he cannot be both.
After all, Article 7 (viii) of our party constitution provides that one of the Aims and objectives of the party shall be to promote and uphold the practice of internal democracy at all levels of the party’s organisation.
Indeed, the event of Sunday 2nd January 2025 which was spearheaded, sponsored and attended by Sen. Ajibola Bahiru along with some utterances made by attendees, is threading the thin line of the Offence of carrying out an activity which tend to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and effective organisation of our party in Osun State as contained in Arricle 21 (A) vii of our Party Constitution.
As the National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Bashiru is a member of NEC and NWC of our party which places him at the heart of these organs vested with powers to determine the party electoral regulations to govern the procedure for selecting party candidates for elective office and to organize primary elections for the nomination of Governorship candidates. See Articles 13.4 (v) and 13.4 (xiv).
If Sen. Ajibola Bashiru fails to do the honorable thing following his public declaration of intent to contest the party governorship ticket, our party leadership at both State and National must compel him to so do.
The best course of action is for him to step down now, allowing for a transparent and democratic process that strengthens APC’s internal democracy and credibility.
This is a part of honour and fairness that our party must toe.
- Olawale Apara is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State
The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author. It does not represent the editorial position or opinion of OSUN DEFENDER.
