Aregbesola, Kwankwaso plot 2027 strategy in fresh political realignment

Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have met in Lagos to strategize ahead of the 2027 general election.

Their discussions come just days after Aregbesola’s political faction, Omoluabi Progressives, officially ended their ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Spokesperson Abosede Oluwaseun cited ostracization, unfair suspensions, and the continuous denigration of their political structure as reasons for the split. Shortly after, the Osun APC expelled Aregbesola for alleged anti-party activities.

Aregbesola, who governed Osun from 2010 to 2018 under the APC and later served as Minister of Interior in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, now appears to be exploring new political alliances.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, discussions about forming a broad coalition to challenge the APC are gaining traction. Key opposition figures have been holding strategic meetings, signaling a shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.

In November, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar hosted Labour Party chieftain Peter Obi for a breakfast meeting in Adamawa, fueling speculations of a possible alliance. Similarly, in January, Kaduna’s former governor, Nasir el-Rufai, alongside Hamza Al-Mustapha, ex-aide to the late Sani Abacha, and several politicians, convened in Abuja under the leadership of Shehu Gabam, chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

With political realignments intensifying, Aregbesola and Kwankwaso’s latest move signals a potential reshaping of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of 2027.