Supporters of former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola have sparked political buzz following a public display of support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The group, during Atiku’s visit to Aregbesola’s residence in Osun on Friday, sang songs in his praise and declared their opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
Atiku, who shared footage of the visit on his X account, was greeted by Yoruba praise singers dressed in coordinated white outfits and yellow caps.
The musical welcome quickly evolved from a cultural performance to an overt political message.
“Atiku is Aregbesola’s ally. Atiku is our father. Atiku is our person,” they chanted, with the rhythmic beat of the talking drum. The chorus then shifted to a direct political message: “In 2027, Tinubu will fall down.”
This public show of support comes as talks of a united opposition front to unseat Tinubu in 2027 gain momentum.
Aregbesola, once a trusted ally of the president, fell out with Tinubu during a rift over the politics of Osun State.
Gboyega Oyetola, Tinubu’s associate and relative, succeeded Aregbesola as governor in 2018.
However, Aregbesola later opposed Oyetola’s re-election efforts, deepening the political divide.
Their strained relationship reached a low point when Aregbesola ridiculed Tinubu during a 2022 rally, saying the president was “urinating on himself.”
Although Aregbesola would later ask for Tinubu’s forgiveness and publicly referred to him as his “political benefactor,” his recent alignment with Atiku suggests a possible return to active opposition politics, potentially as part of a coalition aimed at ending Tinubu’s tenure in 2027.
