Atiku Bypasses Governor Adeleke, Seeks Aregbesola’s Backing for 2027 Coalition Ambitions

The political landscape within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been further strained following a recent visit to Osun State by ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who notably declined to meet with Governor Ademola Adeleke and key state party officials. The omission has sparked widespread speculation about underlying factions and the future direction of the party.

Sources indicate that Atiku’s visit, which coincided with the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, was intended to showcase unity but instead highlighted stark divisions. Rather than engaging with local PDP leaders, he chose to meet with former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, a figure whose influence in the state appears to be waning but still commands respect among certain political circles.

Part insiders suggest that Atiku’s decision to bypass the sitting governor and party hierarchy signals a deliberate attempt to push forward a coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. This move, however, has not sat well with PDP governors who recently reaffirmed their commitment to building a strong, independent party without merging with other factions or parties.

A reconciliation effort led by ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki is already underway to address internal disagreements, yet Atiku’s actions seem to sideline these initiatives, deepening the rift within the party ranks. An official at the PDP national secretariat hinted, “He’s clearly drawing his own battle lines, and our governors are not aligned with this coalition approach.”

Analysts believe Atiku’s decision to avoid meeting Adeleke may stem from growing distrust, particularly amid rumors that the governor might withhold support for Atiku’s presidential ambitions in 2027. Critics argue that neglecting protocol—such as failing to notify the state government or affiliate party leaders—was perceived as a slight, raising questions about the strategic judgment behind his moves.

In contrast, Adeleke remains a popular figure in Osun, commanding significant grassroots support, rendering Aregbesola’s influence less impactful than before. Political commentators suggest that aligning with Aregbesola, who has seen a decline in political clout, might have been a miscalculation on Atiku’s part, especially when engaging with a governor who currently holds sway over the state’s electorate.

As internal PDP dynamics continue to unfold, all eyes are on how these tensions will shape the party’s preparedness for the 2027 electoral challenges.