Juan Daniel Oviedo, the vice presidential candidate for Senator Paloma Valencia (Centro Democrático), has publicly opposed the nomination of Álvaro Uribe as minister of Defense.
This internal rift occurs as the ticket attempts to solidify its platform ahead of the 2026 [1] presidential elections. The disagreement highlights potential tensions within the campaign regarding the influence of former President Uribe on future security policy.
Oviedo said on April 28, 2026 [3], "No estoy de acuerdo con que Álvaro Uribe sea ministro de Defensa" [3]. This contradicts the position of his running mate, who proposed Uribe for the role on the same day [4].
To broaden their reach and contrast their platform with other candidates, Valencia and Oviedo sent a letter on May 5, 2026 [2], requesting a debate of proposals. The invitation was directed toward Abelardo de la Espriella and Restrepo.
De la Espriella rejected the invitation to debate. He said the process "No es para jugarreticas" [5].
The campaign continues its national tour across Colombia to present a cohesive program to voters. While the ticket seeks to project unity through joint letters and public appearances, the public disagreement over the Defense Ministry suggests a struggle to balance party loyalty, and individual policy preferences.
“"No estoy de acuerdo con que Álvaro Uribe sea ministro de Defensa"”
The public disagreement between Oviedo and Valencia reveals a strategic tension within the Centro Democrático ticket. While Valencia relies on the traditional appeal of Álvaro Uribe, Oviedo's opposition suggests a desire to distance the future administration from the former president's direct control over the military. This friction may impact the campaign's ability to present a unified front to moderate voters as the 2026 election approaches.
