Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appears to have drawn the battle line with state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , and officials of the party who are opposed to his bid to enter into coalition with other political parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite Atiku’s insistence on a coalition, believing it is the only way the APC can be defeated in 2027, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stoutly rejected the move.
The PDP says it is strong enough to wrest power from the APC and that all it needs to do is to put its house in order. …CONTINUE READING
In this regard, it set up a reconciliation committee headed by a former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.
On Friday, Atiku was in Osun State where he shunned the state governor ,Senator Ademola Adeleke and the state executives of the party.
Officials of the PDP yesterday interpreted the action of the ex – Vice President as a declaration of hostility.
“He has drawn the battle line because our governors are not with him in his move to forge a coalition and then run for president as usual,” a source in the PDP national secretariat told our correspondent yesterday.
According to findings, Atiku’s cold attitude shocked Adeleke and PDP members in the state.
It was gathered that the ex-VP was unimpressed by lack of a firm commitment to his 2027 ambition by the governor and as a result, decided to draw the battle line early in the day with him.
Political observers in the state believe Atiku might have miscalculated because apart from being a sitting governor, Adeleke’s popularity is at its peak in the state while Aregbesola’s influence is dwindling.
A senior government official, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “the ex-VP shocked the governor and PDP members by not notifying the state government of his visit. He did not pay a courtesy call on the governor and there was no notice to the state chapter of PDP of his coming.
“It is convenient for him to call his shuttle a private visit but as the former VP, he is under our care.
“It is a slight to shun the governor and visit Aregbesola in Ilesha. The message is clear to all. He has something up his sleeves.”
Asked what might have accounted for Atiku’s attitude, the source said: “Maybe he is acting on body language or intuition to reach conclusions on Governor Adeleke who is amiable and amenable. I think for an experienced politician like Atiku, it is too early to arrive at any conclusion. He has a presumption that the governor has a mindset for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
“The second reason which is definitive is that Atiku is desperate for a new coalition and he knows that Governor Adeleke might not leave the PDP. Not coming to the governor was a message that he was done with the PDP.
“But Aregbesola cannot win Osun State for him in 2027. We wish Atiku good luck. His attitude has earned him more disdain than anything in Osun. It was a misstep.”
Atiku’s behaviour toward Adeleke was the subject of political discussion in many parts of the state all through Friday and yesterday.
Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe was yet to respond to questions sent to his WhatsApp line.
Political sources said yesterday that Gov.Adeleke may have incurred Atiku’s wrath on account of his (governor’s) stand on the coalition being promoted for the former VP’s 2027 presidential bid.
