As momentum builds toward the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid a visit to ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, fueling speculation over an emerging political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku, who arrived Aregbesola’s Ilesa residence on Friday, was accompanied by another former Vice President, Namadi Sambo. The visit was confirmed through a video posted on Atiku’s official X account with the caption: “Breakfast time at the residence of former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola.”
The meeting took a dramatic turn as supporters of Aregbesola, in a chorus chanted in Yoruba, declared: “Tinubu will fall in 2027,” capturing the mounting opposition to the current administration within some progressive circles.
Those present to welcome the visitors included high-ranking political stakeholders in Osun, notably former Osun APC Chairman, Lowo Adebiyi, and Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji.
Aregbesola, who previously served as Minister of Interior under Tinubu’s party, the APC, has in recent times maintained a frosty relationship with the ruling party, a rift that has now stirred talk of a potential alliance with Atiku’s camp.
Sources close to the opposition revealed that Atiku had earlier met with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, where he allegedly offered him the Vice Presidential slot on a one-term ticket. The meeting reportedly took place in the United Kingdom.
“Atiku and Obi met earlier this year in the UK. That was when he proposed the coalition. He assured Obi that he would run for only one term and hand over power,” one source disclosed.
Another insider said, “Obi has now agreed to be Atiku’s running mate, and Atiku has reiterated his commitment to serve for only four years.”
Atiku has since confirmed discussions with Obi and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, noting that a movement is underway with the goal of defeating Tinubu in 2027.
This latest visit to Aregbesola is being interpreted as a strategic move by Atiku to bring more estranged APC heavyweights into the fold of the proposed coalition.
With chants of “Tinubu will fall in 2027” echoing from Aregbesola’s supporters during the visit, political watchers are keeping a close eye on the evolving alliances and possible defections that may shape the country’s next presidential race.
