Erstwhile governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, has raised warned against over what he described as a “strong gang-up” aimed at weakening President Bola Tinubu’s electoral strength in southern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Osoba made the remarks on Sunday during the announcement of results from the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary held at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, where Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who served as collation officer, announced that President Bola Tinubu secured 322,485 votes.
Speaking after the declaration, Osoba cautioned party members against complacency, insisting that the outcome of the primary should not create a false sense of electoral security ahead of the general election.
He alleged that political developments across the country point to a coordinated effort to fragment southern support bases, warning that opposition figures were positioning themselves to dilute Tinubu’s vote share in 2027.
According to him, recent declarations and political signals from key figures suggest a widening contest that the ruling party must not underestimate.
He cited the presidential ambitions of Peter Obi of the Labour Party, as well as moves by Seyi Makinde, describing them as part of emerging dynamics that could split votes in the South.
Osoba also referenced speculation surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting reports that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had indicated support for his potential candidacy, further intensifying political permutations ahead of the election cycle.
He warned APC stakeholders not to underestimate what he termed “silent coordination” among opposition forces, urging unity within the party to sustain Tinubu’s political dominance in the region.
The former governor, however, praised Tinubu’s administration, particularly ongoing development projects in Ogun State, and called on party supporters to reciprocate perceived federal support with strong electoral backing in 2027.
Political activity has continued to intensify nationwide as parties and key figures position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential election.
