A fresh political controversy has emerged in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of secretly working to ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, despite his public interactions with opposition leaders.
The forum, led by President Akin Malaolu, issued a statement asserting that Obasanjo’s recent political actions are intended to weaken the opposition, rather than bolster efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group highlights Obasanjo’s recent letter to former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, where he accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of backing attempts to impeach him during his presidency. The forum claims this is part of a larger strategy to create discord within the opposition before the 2027 presidential election.
Malaolu contends that the letter was more than just an attack on Atiku; it aimed to sow deeper divisions among opposition ranks. Additionally, the group criticized Obasanjo for referencing the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who cannot defend himself against these accusations.
They further allege that Obasanjo’s apparent support for the emerging Peter Obi–Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso alliance is merely a ruse to hide his backing of President Tinubu’s bid for a second term. The forum mentioned past consultations with Obasanjo in coalition-building efforts, claiming he was intent on influencing the choice of presidential candidate for the coalition.
In response, Dr. Akin Osuntokun, Obasanjo’s former Political Adviser, dismissed these accusations as groundless and illogical. Speaking on ARISE Television, Osuntokun reiterated that Obasanjo is a key figure in forging the Peter Obi–Rabiu Kwankwaso alliance and continues to support their political collaboration for the upcoming elections.
As political dynamics evolve, these competing claims underscore the intense jockeying among Nigeria’s political leaders, positioning themselves for what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested presidential race in 2027. Both former President Obasanjo and the Presidency have yet to officially respond to these recent allegations at the time this report was made.
