Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar bypassed Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to visit former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, amid ongoing efforts to form a coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Recall that Atiku, alongside other key opposition figures—including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai—has supported the idea of a coalition to challenge Tinubu’s presidency. However, the PDP Governors Forum has openly rejected any coalition or merger for 2027, stating that the party is only open to welcoming individuals or groups willing to join the PDP directly.
On Friday, Atiku notably avoided paying a courtesy visit to Governor Adeleke at either the Government House or the Governor’s office. Instead, he chose to visit Aregbesola at his residence before attending the coronation ceremony of the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.
Atiku’s wife, Titi Abubakar, arrived at the coronation venue earlier, where other dignitaries—including Governor Adeleke, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and various PDP leaders—were already seated.
A video circulating online showed Aregbesola greeting Atiku at his home, accompanied by drummers playing songs critical of President Tinubu.
Although Aregbesola did not to attend the actual coronation ceremony, notable political figures including Atiku Abubakar, accompanied by former Vice President Namadi Sambo, made their entrance approximately fifty minutes after the event had commenced.
Upon arrival, Atiku proceeded to greet various attendees, among whom was Governor Ademola Adeleke, demonstrating a level of cordiality and political decorum despite the delayed appearance.
After the formalities of the coronation concluded, Atiku and Aregbesola came together once again at a reception hosted at Ilesa Grammar School, providing an opportunity for them to interact in a less formal setting, further underscoring the complex political relationships at play.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s apparent decision to avoid close engagement with Governor Adeleke during the ceremony has fueled widespread speculation within political circles in Osun State.
Insiders affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), speaking on condition of anonymity, have intimated that Atiku’s cautious approach toward Adeleke may be rooted in political dissatisfaction.
They suggest that this distancing is a response to Governor Adeleke’s subtle, yet clear, endorsement of Bola Tinubu’s campaign for a second term in office—an alignment that has reportedly caused friction between the key political figures and their respective supporters within the state.
This development highlights the intricate and often delicate nature of political alliances and rivalries in Osun State, revealing the undercurrents of tension that may influence upcoming electoral contests and power dynamics within the region.