By OBSERVERS TIMES
In a significant political shift, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola has officially aligned himself with a coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. This revelation was made by ’Lowo Adebiyi, a former chairman of the now-defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in Osun State and a close ally of Aregbesola.
Adebiyi shared the news during an interview with The PUNCH following Atiku’s visit to Aregbesola in his hometown of Amuta, Ilesa, on Friday. A video of the visit captured Aregbesola and his supporters giving Atiku and his team a warm reception, complete with traditional drummers and praise singers, who chanted, “2027, Tinubu yio lule ni!”—meaning “2027, Tinubu will fall!”
Aregbesola, who was once a loyal supporter of Tinubu, has experienced a rift with the President in recent years. This discord culminated in January when Aregbesola led his faction, known as the Omoluabi Progressives, out of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC). While the Omoluabi Progressives had not publicly disclosed their future political plans, Atiku’s visit has raised speculation about Aregbesola’s intentions to join forces with Atiku against Tinubu.
When asked about the nature of the meeting and its discussions, Adebiyi stated, “All I will say for now is that Aregbesola is already part of a coalition Atiku is leading.” He added, “The ex-Vice President and his entourage visited Aregbesola, and we entertained them with breakfast. No more, no less. Be patient; more details will emerge soon.”
Another associate of Aregbesola, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on discussing the meeting, described the gathering as “a private breakfast meeting.” They noted that Atiku and his team were in Ilesa for the coronation of the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. According to this source, the discussions were not private, as many were present during the breakfast, and any confidential talks likely occurred during their shared transportation to an event at Ilesa Grammar School.
This meeting between Atiku and Aregbesola introduces an intriguing dynamic to the 2027 presidential race, signaling potential shifts in political alliances as the election approaches.
