23rd May, 2025
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has met with ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Ilesa as talks intensify over possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who was accompanied by another former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, visited Aregbesola at his residence on Friday to explore common grounds for coalition-building, amidst speculation that new political platforms may emerge in the coming months.
The meeting comes just days after Aregbesola, a former Minister under the Buhari administration and once a key figure in President Bola Tinubu’s political network, hinted at aligning with a new political party.
Aregbesola’s growing detachment from the APC mainstream has sparked interest from opposition figures seeking to form a formidable bloc ahead of 2027. Welcoming Atiku and his delegation were prominent political allies of Aregbesola including former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon Najeem Salam, and former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.
Although details of the closed-door meeting remain undisclosed, political watchers see it as a strategic step by Atiku to consolidate forces against the ruling party.
“The future of Nigeria must be built on cooperation and shared values, especially among those who seek real change,” Atiku was quoted as saying during the visit.
Both Atiku and Aregbesola are also expected to attend the coronation of the new Owa of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, signaling that their renewed political engagement may also carry cultural significance in southwestern politics.
