Former governor of Ogun state, Olusegun Osoba has alleged a coordinated political strategy aimed at weakening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by fragmenting support from Southern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Osoba made the claim on Sunday during the announcement of the ruling party’s presidential primary result at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, where Dapo Abiodun, serving as collation officer, declared Tinubu winner with 322,485 votes.
Speaking after the exercise, Osoba warned party loyalists against becoming overconfident over the primary outcome, insisting that political forces are already mobilising against the president ahead of the general election.
“I want to appeal to us all ahead of the coming election: let us not be caught off guard. Many people are saying we have no opponents, but that is a misleading narrative. The enemies are many,” he said.
The former governor argued that recent political developments point to an emerging strategy designed to reduce Tinubu’s influence in the South. He specifically referenced the presidential ambitions of Peter Obi and Seyi Makinde, alongside speculation around former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“As we approach the next election, there is a strong gang-up against us. They are plotting to field several candidates from our region in the South. Obi has emerged, Jonathan is quietly waiting in the background, and Makinde has been grandstanding. All these appear to be attempts to divide votes from the South,” Osoba said.
He also urged members of the ruling party in Ogun to remain committed to Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing developmental projects executed under the current administration.
“Under our governor, President Tinubu has been good to us in Ogun State through a series of developmental projects,” he said.
“I hope you will all repay the President’s gesture with your support. Will you do that or not?”
The comments come amid increasing political recalculations and opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 election cycle. While Obi and Makinde have openly declared interest in the race, Jonathan’s possible return remains largely speculative.
The development could further heighten political tensions and deepen regional calculations within Nigeria’s electoral landscape. If more southern contenders formally enter the race, analysts believe voting patterns in the region may become more fragmented, potentially reshaping campaign strategies for both the ruling party and opposition blocs.
According to reports by the cable.ng, the remarks were made during the APC primary proceedings in Ogun State.
