The political landscape in Nigeria is witnessing a significant realignment of forces, with the recent meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola fueling speculation about a potential coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. This meeting, held at Aregbesola’s residence in Ilesa, Osun State, has been interpreted by some as a clear indication of Aregbesola’s shift in allegiance from Tinubu to Atiku, marking a significant turning point in the relationship between these key political figures.
Aregbesola, a once staunch ally of Tinubu, played a crucial role in Tinubu’s political ascent. Their relationship, however, has deteriorated in recent years, culminating in Aregbesola leading his faction, known as the Omoluabi Progressives, out of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. This departure signaled a deep fracture within the party and left many wondering about Aregbesola’s next political move. The meeting with Atiku provides a strong indication of his future direction.
The meeting itself was shrouded in a degree of secrecy, with conflicting accounts emerging about the nature of the discussions. While some sources described it as a mere courtesy visit linked to the coronation ceremony of the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, others suggest it was a strategic meeting to solidify the anti-Tinubu coalition. ‘Lowo Adebiyi, a close associate of Aregbesola, confirmed that Aregbesola is now part of a coalition being spearheaded by Atiku, further fueling speculation about the meeting’s true purpose. However, details of the discussions and the coalition’s strategies remain undisclosed, adding to the intrigue surrounding this political development.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the public display of support for Atiku by Aregbesola’s supporters during the visit. Chants of “2027, Tinubu yio lule ni!” (2027, Tinubu will fall!) by Aregbesola’s drummers and praise singers sent a clear message about the group’s intentions and their alignment with Atiku’s potential presidential bid. This overt display of opposition to Tinubu indicates a hardening of stances and signals a potential challenge to Tinubu’s political dominance.
The implications of this burgeoning alliance between Atiku and Aregbesola are significant for the 2027 presidential race. Aregbesola, a seasoned politician with a strong grassroots base, particularly in Osun State, could provide Atiku with the much-needed support in the Southwest region, a traditionally strong APC stronghold. This alliance could potentially weaken Tinubu’s grip on the region and create a more competitive political landscape. The combination of Atiku’s national reach and Aregbesola’s regional influence could pose a formidable challenge to Tinubu’s re-election ambitions.
The Atiku-Aregbesola alliance signals a potential shift in the political dynamics of Nigeria. This alliance could reshape the political landscape and introduce new uncertainties into the 2027 presidential race. While the details of their collaboration remain unclear, the public display of unity and the stated intention of challenging Tinubu’s presidency suggest a significant political development that warrants close observation in the coming years. The next moves of these key players will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the 2027 elections and determine the future political trajectory of Nigeria.
