By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Following a recent visit to President Bola Tinubu by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s family, credible reports have emerged that two governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are now courting former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The two aspirants — APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Mr. Bola Oyebamiji — are reportedly making strategic moves to align with Aregbesola ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Political tension has heightened since last week’s visit by Governor Adeleke’s family to President Tinubu in Lagos. Many political observers view the visit as a possible step towards Adeleke defecting to the ruling APC.

Insiders in both camps revealed that the outreach to the former governor was triggered by anger over President Tinubu’s decision to host Governor Adeleke at his Bourdillon residence.

Operatives from both camps had earlier criticised the president following the visit, accusing him of betrayal and threatening severe political consequences.

Sources within the two camps disclosed that the visit may have ruled out the possibility of using federal agencies to rig the 2026 elections in favour of the APC in Osun State. As a result, key players are now considering new political realignments ahead of the elections.

According to a source within the Oyebamiji camp, reaching out to Aregbesola’s group is a strategic move to counter the entrenched political structure of the Adelekes.

“Our leaders are reaching out to Aregbesola. You should remember that Aregbesola was the original godfather of our principal. AMBO has no personal issue with Aregbesola, so rapprochement is the path being pursued,” the source said.

He, however, remained silent on whether Oyebamiji obtained permission from the Minister of Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, before initiating a new relationship with Aregbesola.

For Senator Ajibola Basiru’s camp, reports indicate that the APC National Secretary has been secretly sending emissaries to Ogbeni Aregbesola, appealing to him to forgive past grievances and support his governorship ambition.

“We are in touch with Aregbesola — there’s no doubt about that. Both Bashiru and Ogbeni are rebuilding their political relationship. This is politics — no permanent enemy or friend,” a close ally of Basiru disclosed.

Meanwhile, the two camps have been accusing each other of betraying party interests by reaching out to Aregbesola.

While the Oyebamiji camp alleges that Basiru has already sealed a deal with Ogbeni, the Basiru group levels the same allegation against the Oyebamiji group.

Reports of the aspirants’ romance with Aregbesola have reportedly reached the Presidency, resulting in growing anger against major APC leaders in Osun State.

These developments come amid a series of recent public attacks against President Tinubu by known APC leaders in Osun. The issue of social media attacks on the president is said to be under investigation at the highest level.