By John Dike, Osogbo
There are strong indications that the camps of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the National Secretary of the Action Democratic Congress, ADC, a former Interior minister and an ex-governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola are mending fences and exploring the possibility of a strategic alliance ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
ADC is the coalition of eminent politicians including former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi; and former Senate President, Rt Hon David Mark; among others, seeking to sack President Bola Tinubu and his party the All Progressives Congress, APC, from power in 2027.
In fact, many insider sources confirm that recent hostilities between the two camps have been de-escalated, with both sides agreeing to halt all media attacks.
The truce follows weeks of verbal exchanges and political tension that had cast doubts on any potential collaboration between the two influential figures.
The spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, who previously issued strong-worded criticisms against Aregbesola, has reportedly been cautioned, while loyalists of the former Minister of Interior have also been instructed to suspend all public hostilities toward the Adeleke administration.
Though the reconciliation appears to be gaining ground, it remains unclear whether it extends beyond the 2026 state election.
However, analysts note that Governor Adeleke and the Osun PDP have already declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, a move that may complicate a deeper political alignment with Aregbesola, a founding member of the APC.
Further investigations reveal that the current talks are largely driven by shared opposition to a common political rival: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.
Both Adeleke and Aregbesola are said to view the former governor and his loyalists as a mutual threat in the upcoming polls.
A source privy to the discussions disclosed that the ongoing rapprochement is a revival of an earlier understanding reached between the two camps in 2022.
“Both sides are revisiting the 2022 deal with a view to forming a new arrangement.
“Pro-Aregbesola elements within the PDP are mounting pressure on him to consider a negotiated partnership with the Adeleke camp, despite the fallout that followed earlier media attacks.”
The source further explained that Aregbesola’s consistent criticism of the Adeleke-led government, refusal to honour state invitations since 2022, and frequent attacks on the PDP had prompted the recent backlash from the governor’s media office.
“However, there are key figures in Adeleke’s circle who were never comfortable with that attack. They believed it was politically unwise to burn bridges with Aregbesola.
“Efforts have since been made to rebuild that relationship.”
Talks of reconciliation gained renewed momentum following Aregbesola’s recent visit to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Contrary to speculations that Oyinloola was being lured into joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insiders say Oyinlola instead advised Aregbesola to rebuild ties with the Adeleke camp and consider aligning with the PDP for the 2026 race.
The insider clarified, “The discussion was not about joining ADC,
“Oyinlola has his reservations about Aregbesola’s past dealings within APC, but he encouraged him to reconnect with the Adelekes for strategic relevance.”
As it stands, political observers believe the prospects of an alliance between the Adeleke and Aregbesola camps are strong, even if still in early stages.
Whether this partnership solidifies before the 2026 polls, and what impact it might have on the state’s political landscape, remain to be seen.
