In a political move that has set tongues wagging across the country, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on Saturday, held a private meeting with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the former Governor of Osun State and leader of the Omoluabi Progressives, at the latter’s residence in Lagos. The timing and nature of this meeting have sparked intense speculation about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although details of the meeting remain closely guarded, sources close to both leaders suggest that the discussion centered around strategies to strengthen opposition politics in Nigeria, with a particular focus on forming alliances that could challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A Curious Political Pairing
Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence and two-time Governor of Kano State, remains a formidable force in Northern Nigerian politics. His Kwankwasiyya movement commands a cult-like following, particularly among Kano's working-class and youth. In the 2023 presidential elections, he finished fourth, trailing behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. Despite his loss, Kwankwaso emerged as a major opposition figure, signaling his intention to remain politically relevant.
On the other hand, Aregbesola, a founding member of the APC and former Minister of Interior, has had a complicated relationship with his party in recent years. His rift with his longtime political ally and former boss, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was one of the defining subplots of the Osun State gubernatorial election, where his faction of the APC clashed with that of his successor, Gboyega Oyetola. After the 2023 elections, Aregbesola retreated from the national political scene, focusing on grassroots mobilization through his Omoluabi Progressives movement.
The meeting between these two political heavyweights has fueled speculation about a possible coalition aimed at shaking up Nigeria’s political status quo. Could this be the beginning of a third-force movement? Or is this simply an early consultation ahead of 2027?
Inside The Meeting: What Was Discussed?
While both camps have remained tight-lipped, a political associate of Kwankwaso, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hinted that the former Kano governor is exploring strategic partnerships beyond his traditional northern base.
"Kwankwaso understands that winning a presidential election in Nigeria requires a strong alliance across multiple regions. His strength is in the North, but he needs allies in the Southwest and other geopolitical zones. Aregbesola has deep structures in the Southwest and is respected among progressives. The meeting was about exploring possibilities,” the source said.
Another source from Aregbesola’s camp suggested that the discussion touched on the future of the APC, internal party crises, and the need for a new political direction.
"Aregbesola has always been a progressive at heart. He believes in good governance and people-centered policies. With the way things are going in the country, there is a need for realignment among like-minded politicians. The discussion was frank and open," the insider revealed.
Political Implications: What Does This Mean For 2027?
The implications of this meeting could be far-reaching, especially in the context of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving political landscape.
1. A Possible Realignment In The Southwest?
Aregbesola’s recent political moves suggest he may no longer be fully aligned with the APC mainstream, particularly the faction loyal to President Tinubu. His involvement in an alternative political coalition could change the dynamics in the Southwest, a region that played a crucial role in Tinubu’s 2023 victory.
2. Kwankwaso’s National Ambition
While Kwankwaso has remained vocal about his presidential ambitions, his biggest challenge has always been building a cross-regional coalition. In 2023, his NNPP performed well in Kano but struggled elsewhere. A partnership with Aregbesola could help him expand his base and gain traction in the South.
3. Weakening Of APC’s Internal Cohesion?
The APC has faced internal divisions, with factions jostling for control ahead of 2027. If figures like Aregbesola drift towards an alternative alliance, it could weaken the party’s grip, especially in Osun and other parts of the Southwest.
Expert Reactions
Political analyst Dr. Jide Ojo noted that the meeting is significant in the broader context of Nigerian politics.
"This is not just a casual meeting. Both Kwankwaso and Aregbesola are experienced politicians who understand power dynamics. If they are meeting at this time, it suggests that political maneuvering for 2027 has already begun. The question is whether they will form a structured alliance or if this is just an exploratory conversation," he said.
Similarly, Dr. Kabiru Yusuf, a Northern political analyst, suggested that Kwankwaso’s strategy is to test the waters and see if a broader coalition is feasible.
"Kwankwaso needs strong alliances outside the North to be a serious contender in 2027. He has been reaching out to different political figures, and Aregbesola is just one of them. The challenge is whether such alliances will hold when election time comes," Yusuf observed.
Kwankwaso Meets Aregbesola In Lagos: A Game-Changer For 2027?
As Nigeria inches closer to the next general elections, political calculations will only intensify. While it is still too early to determine the full impact of the Kwankwaso-Aregbesola meeting, one thing is clear: opposition politicians are already strategizing, and alliances are forming behind the scenes.
For now, the APC and PDP remain the dominant forces in Nigerian politics. However, as history has shown, political surprises are not uncommon. Whether this meeting leads to a major political shift or remains just another discussion among politicians, only time will tell.
As Nigerians watch closely, one question lingers—could this be the beginning of a new political movement, or is it just another episode in the ever-dramatic world of Nigerian politics?
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