Senator Basiru Applauds Osun PDP Senators’ Endorsement of President Tinubu, Urges Them to Join APC
Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Osun State for endorsing President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 general elections. The senators, Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Lere Oyewumi (Osun West), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), publicly declared their support for President Tinubu in a joint statement, citing his achievements in infrastructure development, economic reforms, food security, and national security. Basiru, speaking through the Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation (SABCO), described the endorsement as a testament to the positive impact of President Tinubu’s leadership and policies. He further urged the senators to solidify their support by joining the APC, emphasizing the potential benefits for Osun State’s development.
The endorsement from the PDP senators holds significant weight, indicating a growing recognition of President Tinubu’s performance across party lines. The senators acknowledged the positive effects of the "Renewed Hope Agenda" within their constituencies, underscoring the president’s effectiveness in addressing key national concerns. Basiru, while welcoming their endorsement, emphasized that mere verbal support was insufficient and urged the senators to translate their words into action by formally joining the APC. He argued that a stronger alliance with the ruling party would facilitate Osun State’s development and progress.
Basiru highlighted the potential advantages of aligning with the APC, particularly in light of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Osun State in 2026. He posited that joining forces with the APC would enable the senators to contribute more effectively to the state’s growth, especially in critical areas like infrastructure, education, agriculture, economy, and healthcare. He further contrasted the anticipated positive contributions of an APC-led government with what he termed the "underperformance and maladministration" of the current PDP administration under Governor Ademola Adeleke. This comparison underscores the potential for improved governance and development under the APC’s leadership, a key factor in Basiru’s appeal to the senators.
The call for the senators to join the APC extends beyond mere political maneuvering. Basiru frames the decision as an act of courage and leadership, urging them to prioritize the welfare of Osun State and Nigeria. He draws parallels with other national assembly lawmakers who have already switched to the APC, presenting it as a trend towards progressive governance. This appeal to their sense of responsibility and national interest reinforces the significance of their potential move beyond party politics.
Basiru’s strategy involves a combination of praise and persuasion. He acknowledges and applauds the senators’ endorsement, validating their judgment and highlighting the positive impact of President Tinubu’s administration. Simultaneously, he emphasizes the limitations of their current position within the PDP and outlines the potential benefits of joining the APC, both for their political careers and for the development of Osun State. This approach aims to create a compelling case for their defection, appealing to both their self-interest and their commitment to public service.
The ultimate decision of the three PDP senators remains to be seen. Their endorsement of President Tinubu, while significant, represents only the first step. Whether they choose to heed Basiru’s call and join the APC will depend on a variety of factors, including their personal political calculations, their constituents’ views, and the overall political climate in Osun State. Their decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for the political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections, both at the state and national levels.
