A private meeting between former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola has sparked political reactions. The meeting, which took place at Aregbesola’s residence in Lagos, has drawn attention, particularly from those aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s political camp.
Kwankwaso made the meeting public through a post on social media, where he shared limited details about their discussion. In his statement on X, he wrote:
“This evening, I had the pleasure to visit the former Governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at his residence in Lagos. The meeting afforded us the opportunity to engage in discussions on national politics, governance, and the future of Nigeria’s democratic landscape. – RMK.”
While the former governors did not disclose specific details, political observers believe their conversation may have touched on future alliances and Nigeria’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
The timing of the meeting has raised concerns within President Tinubu’s political circle. A source close to the president, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that they are closely monitoring developments, adding, “We are not taking anything lying low. It is even more so when those involved are former members of the Asiwaju political family.”
Aregbesola was once a key ally of President Tinubu but distanced himself after political disagreements, particularly over the re-election bid of former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola. His fallout with Tinubu remains a significant political shift within the ruling party.
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso, a two-time governor of Kano State and a former minister, contested in the 2023 presidential election as the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). His increasing engagements with different political figures have fueled speculation about possible realignments ahead of the next general elections.
The meeting comes at a time when opposition parties and key political figures are being urged to form a united front to challenge the ruling government in 2027. While it remains unclear if Kwankwaso and Aregbesola discussed such possibilities, the meeting itself has caused unease within the presidency’s camp.
