Former Osun Central Senator Olusola Adeyeye has declared that only President Bola Tinubu and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola possess the power to resolve the deep political rift between them. Speaking on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Adeyeye insisted that no third party can force a reconciliation, stating that only God can settle the divide between the two former political associates.
Adeyeye Rules Out Mediation in Tinubu-Aregbesola Feud
When asked whether a mediator could bring the two men together, Adeyeye responded: "When things get to be like this, only the two of them can forgive each other." The former National Assembly member, who serves as South-West Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council, said he personally wanted the two politicians reconciled, arguing it would strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
"My wish would be for my party and for the president, because I want the president to win, and if he must, we must bring everybody together," he said.
Aregbesola's ADC Membership Complicates Reunion
Adeyeye was candid about the obstacles standing in the way. He noted that Aregbesola's membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) makes a political return to the APC unlikely without damage to his reputation among supporters who followed him out. "It won't look good to his admirers, especially those who follow him to that party," he said.
On the ADC's electoral fortunes, Adeyeye questioned how the party performed during the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election, particularly in Aregbesola's stronghold areas. "How did the ADC perform, even in Ilesa? How did Aregbesola perform in Osun Central, where I come from?" he asked, suggesting the former governor's influence over voters had limits when he was not on the ballot himself.
Adeyeye Backs APC to Win South-West in 2027
Despite the internal tensions, Adeyeye expressed confidence that the APC would hold the south-west in the 2027 presidential election. "I make bold: anyone from any party who thinks the next election will be easy for it is suffering self-delusion. We in the APC, we work very hard to win, and I want to assure you that we will win," he said, adding: "We will win big. I care that we win the South-West, and we're going to shock everybody."
He did not downplay Aregbesola's personal appeal, acknowledging the former governor remains a formidable figure in Osun politics. "The truth is he's still a magnificent person, much loved. If he were a candidate, believe you me, anybody would be hard-pressed to beat him in Osun," Adeyeye said.
However, he drew a clear distinction between loyalty to a person and loyalty to a party, warning that Aregbesola should not assume his popularity automatically transfers to whoever he endorses. "Where he's not the candidate, even he must not deceive himself that he can automatically take the affection for him to another person," he said.
Previous Criticism from Presidential Aide
Earlier, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Tinubu, criticised Aregbesola over his remarks on the administration's Renewed Hope agenda. Responding in a post on X, Onanuga described Aregbesola's comments as misleading and accused him of failing to reflect on his record in public office.
The rift between Tinubu and Aregbesola continues to shape political dynamics in Osun State and the south-west as the 2027 elections approach, with Adeyeye's comments underscoring the challenges of reconciliation within the APC.
