Aregbesola, Kwankwaso strategize for 2027 elections amid growing opposition alliances

Former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola and ex-Governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso have reportedly met in Lagos to strategize ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Sources within political circles disclosed that the two influential politicians held a marathon meeting to deliberate on their political futures and the possibility of alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The meeting follows recent political realignments, notably the departure of Aregbesola’s political group, Omoluabi Progressives, from the APC.

According to the group’s spokesperson, Abosede Oluwaseun, the decision to leave the ruling party stemmed from allegations of marginalization, suspensions without due process, and internal party conflicts.

Shortly after the group’s departure, the Osun State APC formally expelled Aregbesola, citing alleged anti-party activities. Aregbesola, who governed Osun from 2010 to 2018 under the APC banner, also served as Minister of Interior under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

The Lagos meeting between Aregbesola and Kwankwaso adds to a growing trend of opposition figures seeking to consolidate forces against the APC.

Discussions on potential coalitions have been intensifying, with several high-profile political meetings taking place in recent months.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hosted Labour Party chieftain Peter Obi for a strategic breakfast meeting in Adamawa State.

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Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Hamza Al-Mustapha (ex-aide to Sani Abacha), and other political figures convened in Abuja under the leadership of Shehu Gabam, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairman.

Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, remains a key figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics. While NNPP Chairman Ajuji Ahmed recently stated that the party is not currently in formal coalition talks, he did not rule out future collaborations.

The series of strategic meetings among opposition figures signals increasing momentum towards forming a formidable challenge against the APC in the next election cycle. Political analysts believe that these alliances could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly if opposition parties consolidate under a single banner.a

As the 2027 election approaches, more high-level political negotiations and realignments are expected, setting the stage for an intense political battle in the coming years.