Atiku snubs Gov Adeleke, solicits Aregbesola’s support for 2027 coalition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has ignited fresh tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by snubbing Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, during a visit to the state on Friday.

The move, widely interpreted as a declaration of political hostilities, indicates Atiku’s determination to forge ahead with a coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite resistance from within his party.

Atiku, who believes that only a broad-based alliance can unseat the APC in the 2027 general election, pointedly avoided meeting Governor Adeleke and the Osun PDP leadership during his visit for the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup.

Instead, he paid a courtesy call on former Osun governor and estranged APC chieftain, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Sources within the PDP said the former Vice President’s actions have widened the rift between him and PDP governors, who recently rejected any merger with other parties, insisting that the PDP remains strong enough to reclaim power on its own.

A reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki was set up to address internal party issues, but Atiku’s moves appear to bypass that process entirely.

“He has drawn the battle line. Our governors are not with him on this coalition plan, and he’s sending a clear message,” a party official at the PDP national secretariat told The Nation.

Atiku’s cold reception in Osun is believed to be due to Adeleke’s lukewarm stance on the coalition, and growing suspicion that the governor may not back his 2027 ambition.

His decision to ignore protocol and bypass the state government reportedly shocked Adeleke and PDP supporters alike.

“He didn’t inform the state government of his visit, nor did he meet with the party chairman or any state executives,” a senior government source said.

“Instead, he aligned with Aregbesola. The message is loud and clear,” the source added.

Aregbesola’s influence in Osun is widely seen as waning, while Governor Adeleke currently enjoys high popularity in the state.

Political observers say Atiku may have miscalculated by distancing himself from a sitting governor in favour of a former one with diminishing grassroots clout.