By John Dike, Osogbo
Some civil society organisations in Osun State have declared support for Senator Ajibola Basiru’s governorship ambition, urging the people of the state and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rally behind his candidacy ahead of the 2026 election.
The coalition, comprising the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), and WorkBond International Network (WIN), described other contenders as “Lilliputians” compared to the former senator and current National Secretary of the APC.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade Gbenga Soloki, Executive Director of CAIDOV, and Omotaje Olawale, Head of WIN, the group highlighted Bashir’s experience, pedigree, and grassroots appeal as unmatched among the aspirants.
According to the statement, Bashir’s Osogbo constituency holds a significant voter advantage that could be pivotal for APC’s success in the election.
The coalition cited his long-standing record of public service, from his days as a student leader to his legal and political activism.
It recalled how Basiti, while at the University of Ilorin, was expelled for leading protests against student oppression and later continued his advocacy as a student at the University of Lagos.
“He was a frontliner in the fight for democracy during the military era, actively participating in movements like the Campaign for Democracy (CD), United Action for Democracy (UAD), and the Congress of Progressive Youth (COPY),” the statement said.
The coalition also praised his legal activism, noting that his law chambers played a pivotal role in restoring mandates wrongly denied during military rule.
“His track record includes two terms as Commissioner in Osun State and his tenure in the Senate, where he served as spokesman. His knowledge of governance, lawmaking, and administration sets him apart.”
The CSOs challenged other aspirants to present their credentials for public scrutiny, insisting they pale in comparison to Senator Bashir.
“We are prepared to work from the grassroots to ensure Senator Ajibola Bashir becomes the next governor of Osun State. The state needs a tested hand, and SRJ is that man,” the statement concluded.
