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Signs are emerging that last Saturday’s private meeting between former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) National Leader Rabiu Kwankwaso may have been a calculated political move in preparation for the 2027 elections.

The high-level discussion, held at Aregbesola’s Lagos residence, has sparked rumors of a potential alliance between the two political heavyweights…….READ MORE 

Though the specifics of their conversation remain under wraps, insiders suggest Kwankwaso is looking to bolster his political standing in the South-West by leveraging Aregbesola’s fallout with President Bola Tinubu and his recent departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A source from the Kwankwasiya movement, speaking anonymously to Punch, disclosed that Kwankwaso is determined to make inroads into the South-West, particularly in regions still under Tinubu’s strong influence.

“Kwankwaso has long aspired to extend his political reach beyond the North. However, many influential South-West figures remain loyal to Tinubu. Aregbesola offers a chance to reignite his ambitions in the region, especially in Lagos and Osun, where Aregbesola holds considerable sway,” the source revealed.

This development coincides with growing unrest within the APC in Osun State, where Aregbesola’s faction, Omoluabi Progressives, recently announced its departure from the party, citing persecution by the dominant leadership. This has intensified speculation over Aregbesola’s next political steps, given his strained ties with Tinubu in recent years.

In an interview with Punch, NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson confirmed that the meeting was part of broader efforts to “build bridges across the Niger” and fortify the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“All options are being explored. If it were up to Kwankwaso, nothing would have been made public yet. These discussions are still in their infancy. However, Aregbesola has been engaging with various political figures, so it’s not solely about him and Kwankwaso. Nevertheless, they are key players in the evolving political landscape,” Johnson stated.

When asked whether Aregbesola could align with Northern forces to oppose Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, Johnson emphasized that the former Osun governor doesn’t need an invitation to participate in any political movement.