Obasanjo's Support for Obi/Kwankwaso Called a Smokescreen

On July 26, 2026, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, led by President Chief Akin Malaolu, issued a statement alleging that former President Olusegun Obasanjo's recent political maneuvers are designed to weaken opposition parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections. This statement was a response to a letter Obasanjo reportedly wrote to former Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba, in which he accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of mobilizing the late Ghali Umar Na’Abba to impeach him.

Atiku countered that Obasanjo's grievances stem from his opposition to Obasanjo's third-term agenda. The Yoruba group contends that Obasanjo's support for key opposition figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso is merely a "smokescreen" for his alleged backing of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

They claim Obasanjo has attempted to influence candidate selection and is collaborating with individuals close to the presidency to support Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. As of the report's filing, Obasanjo had not responded to these allegations.