Kwankwaso Wooing Aregbesola to Secure South-West Votes – Kwankwasiyya Chieftain

Emerging reports indicate that the recent meeting between former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, was a calculated move by the latter to explore his political prospects in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections.

The closed-door discussion, which took place at Aregbesola’s residence in Lagos, has sparked widespread speculation about a potential alliance between the two political figures. Although details of the conversation were not made public, insiders suggest that Kwankwaso is actively seeking to extend his influence beyond the northern strongholds of the NNPP.

Aregbesola’s Influence and Political Estrangement

Aregbesola, a former ally of President Bola Tinubu, has been at odds with the All Progressives Congress (APC) mainstream leadership, particularly in Osun State. His political group, Omoluabi Progressives, recently announced its exit from the APC, citing internal victimization. This has fueled speculation about his next move, with many seeing his meeting with Kwankwaso as a strategic repositioning.

A key source within the Kwankwasiyya movement confirmed that Kwankwaso is looking to leverage Aregbesola’s influence in the South-West, particularly in Lagos and Osun. “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,” the source disclosed.

NNPP’s Position: “Building Bridges Across the Niger”

Speaking in an exclusive interview, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that the meeting was part of broader efforts to “build bridges across the Niger.” According to Johnson, Kwankwaso has been engaging with several political figures across the country, and Aregbesola’s involvement is part of this larger strategy.

“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,” Johnson stated.

When asked whether Aregbesola might align with northern political forces against Tinubu in 2027, Johnson stressed that the former Osun governor is politically independent and does not require an invitation to participate in any movement. He also dismissed claims that Tinubu’s allies could intimidate Aregbesola, emphasizing his deep-rooted political structures in Lagos, Osun, and across Yorubaland.

The Implications for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid

Aregbesola was a key figure in Tinubu’s political machine for decades, playing a significant role in his electoral victories, particularly in Lagos and Osun. His estrangement from the APC and potential alliance with Kwankwaso could disrupt Tinubu’s South-West support base ahead of the 2027 election.

“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,” Johnson stated.

If Aregbesola formally aligns with Kwankwaso, it could lead to a significant realignment in South-West politics, potentially weakening Tinubu’s control over the region. While Tinubu still enjoys substantial support among APC loyalists, the growing factionalism within the party and Aregbesola’s grassroots appeal could create an opening for opposition forces.

Future Political Landscape and 2027 Projections

Both Kwankwaso and Aregbesola are known for their strong grassroots mobilization skills, making them valuable political assets for any party or candidate. Even if neither of them contests in 2027, their influence could be a game-changer in determining the region’s political direction.

“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 crystallize by the last quarter of this year or next,” Johnson noted.

As Nigeria moves closer to another electoral cycle, political realignments and strategic alliances will continue to shape the landscape. Whether this meeting translates into a formal coalition or remains an exploratory engagement, it is clear that Aregbesola and Kwankwaso are positioning themselves as key players in the evolving political dynamics leading up to 2027.