Obasanjo's role in Obi-Kwankwaso ticket sparks row

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo's political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general election has ignited a new controversy, with the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum accusing him of covertly supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. This claim directly conflicts with the assertion by Obasanjo's former Political Adviser, Dr. Akin Osuntokun, who insists the ex-President is the architect behind the potential presidential alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform.

“

What many perceive as an attack on Atiku is, in reality, a deliberate assault on the opposition parties in Nigeria.

The conflicting narratives emerge amidst significant political realignments and coalition-building efforts by opposition parties aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress. The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, in a statement signed by its President Akin Malaolu, alleged that Obasanjo's recent political actions are strategically designed to undermine the opposition rather than strengthen it. The forum pointed to Obasanjo's recent letter to former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, which detailed an alleged attempt by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to impeach him during his presidency. The forum interprets this letter not as a personal attack but as a calculated move to destabilize opposition parties before the 2027 polls.

“

By dragging the name of Ghali Umar Na’Abba into his allegation, Obasanjo knows too well that the late Speaker is incapable of a right of reply.

"What many perceive as an attack on Atiku is, in reality, a deliberate assault on the opposition parties in Nigeria," Malaolu stated. The group further criticized Obasanjo for invoking the name of the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba, arguing that the former Speaker could not defend himself against the allegations. The forum also suggested that Obasanjo's public endorsement of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso is a mere political smokescreen to mask his alleged support for President Tinubu's second term. The group claimed that Obasanjo, despite consultations with opposition leaders, was determined to ensure Obi became the coalition's presidential candidate and, failing that, facilitated realignments leading to the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket on the NDC platform.

“

By this letter, Obasanjo has only confirmed speculations that he is working for his kinsman, President Bola Tinubu, to actualise his second-term ambition.