Former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have met in Lagos to deliberate on political strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling a potential realignment of forces.
A source privy to the meeting disclosed the development to TheCable, saying, “Aregbesola and Kwankwaso just completed a marathon meeting in Lagos where they strategized on the 2027 election.”
The meeting comes amid growing speculations about opposition figures forming alliances to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.
Aregbesola’s Rift with APC
The gathering follows the recent decision of Omoluabi Progressives, a political group loyal to Aregbesola, to sever ties with the APC. The group’s spokesperson, Abosede Oluwaseun, cited reasons for their departure, stating:
“We resolved to quit the APC due to ostracization from the party, suspension and expulsion of leaders without fair hearing, and the continuous denigration of our structure.”
Shortly after the exit of his supporters, the APC in Osun announced Aregbesola’s expulsion from the party, citing anti-party activities as the reason.
Aregbesola, who governed Osun State between 2010 and 2018 on the APC platform, also served as Minister of Interior under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.
Coalition Talks and Strategic Meetings
Ahead of the 2027 elections, discussions about forming a broad coalition to challenge the APC appear to be gaining momentum. Several key opposition figures have engaged in strategic consultations in recent months.
In November 2024, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar met with Peter Obi, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), over breakfast at his residence in Adamawa State. Similarly, in January 2025, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Abacha aide Hamza Al-Mustapha, and other political figures convened in Abuja at a meeting hosted by Shehu Gabam, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Kwankwaso, who ran for president under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023, has also been at the center of political maneuvering. However, on Friday, Ajuji Ahmed, the NNPP chairman, clarified that while the party is not presently in coalition talks, it is “not ruling out the possibility.”
