Reports emerging has claimed that private meeting between former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, may have been a calculated move by Kwankwaso to strengthen his political influence in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections.
The two political figures reportedly held a closed-door meeting at Aregbesola’s residence in Lagos. Although details of their discussion were not made public, political analysts believe it could signal the beginning of a strategic alliance.
A source within the Kwankwasiya movement told PUNCH that Kwankwaso is eager to expand his reach beyond northern Nigeria and sees Aregbesola as a key political player in the South-West, particularly in Lagos and Osun. The source pointed out that Aregbesola’s growing distance from President Bola Tinubu and his recent departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) make him a valuable ally.
“It is no secret that Kwankwaso has long sought to expand his political influence beyond the Niger. However, he has faced challenges because many influential figures in the South-West are loyal to Asiwaju. Aregbesola presents an opportunity for him to rekindle his dream of capturing the region, particularly in Lagos and Osun, where Aregbesola commands significant clout,” the source said.
Aregbesola’s political group, Omoluabi Progressives, recently announced its exit from the APC in Osun, citing internal party issues. This move has fueled speculation about his next political steps and potential partnerships.
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that the meeting between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola was part of efforts to “build bridges across the Niger.”
“All the cards are on the table. If it were left to Kwankwaso, nothing would have leaked to the media. These are still early-stage discussions. However, as you may have noticed, Aregbesola has also been meeting with various political figures. So, it’s not just about him and Kwankwaso. They are, however, two prominent individuals in the evolving political landscape,” Johnson stated.
When asked if Aregbesola might align with northern politicians to challenge Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, Johnson noted that Aregbesola does not need anyone’s permission to join any political movement. He also dismissed concerns that Tinubu’s allies could weaken Aregbesola’s political standing, describing him as a strong grassroots politician with deep political structures in Osun, Lagos, and across Yorubaland.
“Didn’t he oppose Tinubu in 2023? He did, and the sky didn’t fall. Now that he is no longer in the APC, he is politically free. Aregbesola played a major role in Tinubu’s political machinery for years. He was the driving force behind many of Tinubu’s successful campaigns, especially in Lagos. It is well known that in the past, Tinubu could barely move through Alimosho without Aregbesola,” Johnson said.
He further noted that both Kwankwaso and Aregbesola are experienced grassroots politicians. He added that whether or not either of them contests in 2027, their political support will be crucial for any candidate or party they decide to back.
“At the moment, I don’t think Aregbesola is planning to contest any position. But he would be a massive ally in the South for Kwankwaso. If they don’t run, they will still dramatically impact whichever candidates or parties they align with. It’s still early days, and many things will crystallise by the last quarter of this year or next,” Johnson added.
