Atiku Bypasses Gov. Adeleke, Seeks Alliance with Aregbesola for 2027 Power Shift
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stirred fresh unrest within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his recent visit to Osun State, where he conspicuously avoided Governor Ademola Adeleke and instead reached out to ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Atiku’s visit, centered around the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, is being viewed by political insiders as a deliberate snub to the Osun governor and a signal of his intention to form a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general election—possibly without the full backing of his party.
Rather than engaging with the state’s PDP leadership or notifying the government of his arrival, Atiku held private talks with Aregbesola, a former APC stalwart now at odds with his party. This move has sparked speculation about Atiku’s strategy, suggesting he may be bypassing the ongoing reconciliation efforts led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Party insiders revealed that Atiku’s approach has deepened existing divides between him and several PDP governors, many of whom oppose any cross-party alliances and believe the PDP is strong enough to take on the APC alone.
“He’s making it clear he doesn’t need the governors’ backing for his coalition plans,” said a senior PDP official.
Governor Adeleke’s aides reportedly expressed surprise and disappointment over the former Vice President’s failure to observe political protocol or engage with the state leadership. His actions are being interpreted as a clear message of disapproval toward Adeleke’s perceived reluctance to support a coalition agenda.
While Aregbesola’s political influence in Osun has seen some decline, Adeleke remains highly popular in the state. Observers suggest Atiku’s decision to sideline the sitting governor in favor of a politically diminished predecessor could be a strategic misstep with lasting consequences.
