“Ajibola Basiru: Even If Opponent’s Father Heads INEC, Tinubu Will Still Triumph”

As a seasoned party administrator with a strong legal pedigree, Dr. Ajibola Basiru’s political journey spans legal scholarship, two-time State Commissioner roles, a stint in the Senate, and currently, the position of National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Clearly, he is no novice in the Nigerian political space.

According to IReporter Online, Senator Basiru recently addressed critical national issues during a wide-ranging interview with Sunday Sun. From the 2027 presidential race and the ambitions of opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to developments in his home state of Osun, he offered strong insights and unfiltered commentary.

Dismissing suggestions that the APC was declared a terrorist organization in a foreign judgment, Basiru noted that “there is nowhere in the judgment that any political party, APC or otherwise, was so labelled.”

He condemned sensational journalism for spreading misinformation, asserting that “it’s part of the challenges facing the media in Nigeria today.”

On the outcome of recent by-elections, he argued that APC’s victory was due to superior grassroots mobilisation, not electoral malpractice. According to IReporter Online, Basiru highlighted how the APC clinched 12 out of 16 declared results across the country, even in states where it holds no governorship position.

He mocked opposition claims of rigging, asking rhetorically, “If we rigged, why didn’t we win everywhere?” He pointed to Taraba, Adamawa, and Kano as examples of where APC outperformed expectations.

Basiru was especially critical of the ADC, asserting it lacks legal standing and leadership clarity.

He described certain prominent figures claiming ADC leadership as “criminal impersonators”, citing their lack of recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He insisted that real political influence must be backed by structure, legal recognition, and voter support — all of which, he argued, the ADC lacks.

According to IReporter Online, he further ridiculed opposition figures such as Peter Obi and Nasir el-Rufai, branding them “confused” and “irrelevant” in the current political equation.

He criticized Obi’s dual political affiliations and accused him of trying to mislead supporters while failing to deliver results at the polls.

Addressing concerns about APC’s possible over-focus on 2027 at the expense of governance, Basiru insisted the current administration had made measurable progress.

He cited initiatives like the NELFUND student loan programme, improved access to healthcare, and regular payment of pensions and salaries as evidence that Nigerians are better off under the Tinubu presidency.

He dismissed claims of national suffering as exaggerated, saying, “Those shouting about hunger are just hungry for power.”

On speculations that President Tinubu may not face serious opposition in 2027, Basiru confidently declared, “Even if the new INEC chairman is the father of the president’s main opponent, Asiwaju will still win.”

He dismissed talk of Northern political forces aligning against Tinubu, stating that recent by-election results in Kano, Adamawa, and Niger show continued support for APC in the region.

Responding to criticisms of Tinubu’s foreign trips, Basiru argued they were not excessive but necessary for economic diplomacy. He said, “He’s the salesman of Nigeria.

His engagements are bringing in results.”

When asked about the return of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to APC, Basiru clarified that such decisions are beyond him.

“It is up to the party leadership to decide,” he said, adding that he is fully aligned with President Tinubu’s direction, no matter the outcome.

As for his own political ambition, particularly the 2026 Osun governorship race, he remained non-committal, saying his current focus is on strengthening the APC’s structure and ensuring its success in the 2027 general elections.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”