Tinubu’s 2027 Chances: APC Chieftain Reveals Why South-West Loss May Not Stop Him

Former Senator representing Osun Central, Olusola Adeyeye, has expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election, arguing that even if President Bola Tinubu were to perform poorly in the South-West, he could still emerge victorious nationally.

Adeyeye, who serves as the South-West Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He maintained that the 2027 election would not be an easy contest for any political party and said the APC was working to secure victory.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the former lawmaker argued that the APC’s strength in the South-West would depend significantly on the party remaining united across the region. He said he did not currently see any political party defeating the APC in parts of the South-West where the ruling party remains cohesive.

Adeyeye also referred to the 1999 presidential election involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo to support his argument that losing the South-West would not automatically prevent a presidential candidate from winning nationally. He recalled that Obasanjo lost in his ward, polling unit, state and the wider South-West during that election but nevertheless went on to become president.

While expressing confidence that Tinubu would retain the South-West, Adeyeye said the historical example demonstrated that presidential elections are determined by the overall national result rather than the performance of a candidate in a single geopolitical zone.

The former senator also discussed the political relevance of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. He questioned the ADC’s performance during the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, particularly in areas associated with Aregbesola.

Adeyeye acknowledged Aregbesola’s popularity in Osun but argued that such personal goodwill could not automatically be transferred to another candidate if Aregbesola himself was not on the ballot.

“If Aregbesola is the candidate, it’s a different matter. The truth is he’s still a magnificent person, much loved. If he were a candidate, anybody would be hard-pressed to beat him in Osun,” Adeyeye said.

He added that political parties should not underestimate the 2027 contest, stressing that the APC would continue its efforts to strengthen its structures and campaign across the country.

Adeyeye further said the APC was aiming for a strong performance in the South-West and maintained that internal unity would be crucial to the party’s prospects in the region.