Southern Vote Battle? Osoba Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot Against Tinubu Ahead of 2027
A chieftain of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has alleged that there is an emerging political alliance aimed at weakening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support base in Southern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Osoba made the remarks in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the announcement of the APC presidential primary results held across the state’s 20 local government areas. According to the former governor, opposition figures from the South are strategically positioning themselves to divide votes that traditionally favour Tinubu and the APC.
The veteran journalist and elder statesman spoke at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta shortly before the official declaration of the primary results by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who also served as the state coordinator and collation officer for the exercise.
At the event, Tinubu reportedly secured 322,485 votes in the APC presidential primary, defeating challenger Stanley Osifo, who polled no votes. The gathering was attended by several top APC figures, including Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziak Salako, APC governorship candidate Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, and Ogun APC Chairman Yemi Sanusi.
Speaking to party loyalists, Osoba cautioned APC members against complacency, insisting that the political atmosphere ahead of the next general election would be more competitive than many anticipated.
According to him, claims within APC circles that President Tinubu currently has no formidable opposition could create a false sense of security among party supporters.
“The enemies are many,” Osoba warned, while urging party members to prepare seriously for what he described as the “real election” expected in 2027.
The APC elder specifically mentioned former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former President Goodluck Jonathan as political figures whose ambitions or influence could potentially affect Tinubu’s dominance in the South.
Osoba alleged that the emergence of multiple influential Southern political actors may not be coincidental, arguing that it could be part of a broader strategy to fragment Southern votes during the next presidential contest.
“As we approach the next election, there is a strong gang-up against us,” Osoba said. “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.”
His comments are already generating political debate across the country, especially as conversations surrounding the 2027 elections continue to intensify despite the fact that the current administration is still midway into its tenure.
Political analysts have noted that the South remains a critical battleground in Nigeria’s electoral calculations. In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu secured significant support in parts of the South-West, while Peter Obi dominated several states in the South-East and made strong inroads among urban voters nationwide. Governor Makinde, although a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has also continued to attract attention for his independent political posture and growing influence beyond Oyo State.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan has repeatedly been linked with possible future political calculations despite not openly declaring any presidential ambition. His name frequently surfaces in discussions about coalition politics and possible consensus arrangements among opposition blocs.
Osoba used the occasion to rally APC supporters in Ogun State, urging them to repay what he described as President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the state through infrastructural and economic projects.
He praised Governor Abiodun’s leadership and appealed to party members to remain united and committed ahead of future elections.
“President Tinubu has been good to us in Ogun State through developmental projects,” Osoba stated. “I hope you will all repay the President’s gesture with your support.”
The comments from the APC elder statesman are expected to further fuel political realignments and speculations as parties and influential figures quietly begin strategic preparations for the next electoral cycle.
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