Aregbesola Faces Backlash Over Anti Tinubu Coalition Bid

The political ambitions of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have drawn sharp criticism following his recent call to build a coalition aimed at defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

While addressing members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akure, Aregbesola spoke of forming a broad alliance of like-minded Nigerians to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged party members to put aside personal interests and unite ahead of the presidential, National Assembly, and state elections.

But his remarks have sparked strong reactions, particularly from supporters of President Tinubu. The Yari Renaissance Movement for Tinubu 2027, a group loyal to the president, dismissed Aregbesola’s political moves as doomed from the start. The group’s chairman, Kabir Ali Danbaba, described the former minister’s plans as “moribund at birth” and accused him of betrayal.

Danbaba expressed surprise that Aregbesola, who rose through the political ranks with Tinubu’s support, would now work against the president’s re-election. He pointed to Aregbesola’s past appointments—including his role as Commissioner for Works in Lagos and later as Governor of Osun State—as evidence of Tinubu’s backing. According to Danbaba, these appointments came at great political cost and required Tinubu’s personal sacrifices.

The Movement accused Aregbesola of political opportunism and ingratitude, claiming he had turned on the very person who shaped his political journey. They warned that even if President Tinubu remains silent on the matter, history will not forget the betrayal.

In their response to Aregbesola’s coalition efforts, the group downplayed the influence of the ADC and declared that Tinubu’s position in Nigerian politics remains secure. Danbaba stated that the ADC would be powerless to stop Tinubu’s political momentum and predicted the president’s re-election in 2027.

He described the opposition meeting as a gathering of “disgruntled politicians” with no real prospect of success. In his words, sitting together to propose what cannot be achieved amounts to self-deception. He added that while Aregbesola may have ambitious dreams, time will reveal the truth, and those who seek to undermine Tinubu will face judgment from history.

As the 2027 election season slowly approaches, early signs of political rivalry are beginning to surface, even within the camp of longtime allies. Aregbesola’s push to form a new political front places him at odds with his former mentor and signals a deepening rift in the political structure that once stood firmly behind Tinubu.

For now, Aregbesola remains defiant in his new political direction, while Tinubu’s allies prepare for what they believe will be another victorious campaign. The stage is quietly being set for what could become one of Nigeria’s most dramatic political showdowns.