Osun 2026: APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru Rejects Zoning, Backs Open Contest for Guber Ticket
Senator Ajibola Basiru insists zoning has no place in APC constitution, calls for merit-based selection ahead of Osun governorship race.
As the 2026 governorship race heats up in Osun State, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has openly rejected calls for the party to zone its ticket.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Basiru, who previously represented Osun Central Senatorial District, argued that zoning is not supported by the APC constitution and that every qualified member should have equal opportunity to vie for the governorship.
He warned that enforcing zoning could alienate voters from regions whose aspirants are excluded and undermine the democratic foundation of the party. According to him, leadership selection should be based on competence and unity, not regional sentiment.
Basiru’s position comes amidst growing pressure within the Osun APC to zone the ticket to the Osun West Senatorial District, a move reportedly supported by key party leaders including Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Notably, Basiru lost his Senate seat in the 2023 elections to PDP’s Senator Fadeyi Oluwole Olubiyi
