Former Osun Central Senator, Olusola Adeyeye, has shared his thoughts on a possible reconciliation between President Bola Tinubu and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola. Adeyeye made these comments during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunday Politics. He was asked if anyone could bring Tinubu and Aregbesola together after years of political differences. Adeyeye stated that he couldn't identify a person who could successfully mediate between the two men.
Adeyeye emphasized that forgiveness would ultimately have to come from both sides. He expressed that bringing the two former political allies together would be important for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly as the party prepares for the 2027 presidential election. As the South-West Coordinator of the APC presidential campaign council, Adeyeye welcomed a reunion between Tinubu and Aregbesola. He believes this unity would be beneficial for the party and the president.
Tinubu and Aregbesola were once prominent political allies within the APC. Aregbesola served as governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018 and was later appointed Minister of Interior by Tinubu's administration. However, their political relationship became strained over time. Aregbesola has since moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he serves as national secretary and has become part of the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
Adeyeye acknowledged that Aregbesola's current political affiliation could make any immediate reconciliation more complicated. He noted that it could be difficult for the former governor to abandon the ADC without facing questions from his supporters and political associates. Adeyeye stated that it wouldn't look good to Aregbesola's admirers, especially those who followed him to the ADC.
The former senator maintained that bringing political actors together remained important to the APC's preparations for 2027. Adeyeye also discussed the APC's prospects in the South-West, insisting that the party would work hard to maintain its support in the region. He rejected the suggestion that the 2027 contest would be straightforward for any political party.
Adeyeye expressed confidence in the APC's chances, stating that they would work hard to win and would win big. He emphasized the importance of winning the South-West region. Adeyeye's comments come after the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election, which produced another major political contest involving the APC and the ADC.
Adeyeye questioned the African Democratic Congress's performance in areas associated with Aregbesola, specifically pointing to Ilesa and Osun Central. He acknowledged Aregbesola's personal popularity in Osun but drew a distinction between the former governor contesting an election himself and supporting another politician. Adeyeye recognized that Aregbesola remains popular among sections of the electorate in the state.
Key points
- Former Senator Olusola Adeyeye doubts anyone can mediate a reconciliation between President Bola Tinubu and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
- Adeyeye sees a potential reconciliation as beneficial for the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
- Aregbesola's current affiliation with the African Democratic Congress may complicate any immediate reconciliation with Tinubu.
