By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Lagos, Nigeria – Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at his residence in Lagos.
The high-profile meeting, which has drawn significant political attention, was centered on Nigeria’s governance, democratic consolidation, and pressing national issues. Sources close to the politicians hinted that the discussions also touched on the 2027 general elections, opposition politics, and the state of the nation’s economy.
The meeting comes just days after Omoluabi Progressives, Aregbesola’s political group, officially cut ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a swift reaction, the APC in Osun expelled Aregbesola from the party, citing alleged anti-party activities. His removal from the APC has fueled speculations about his next political move, with many seeing his meeting with Kwankwaso as a strategic engagement in light of the unfolding political landscape.
Kwankwaso, a two-time governor of Kano State and a key opposition figure, has remained vocal about the need for electoral reforms, good governance, and economic policies that benefit Nigerians. Meanwhile, Aregbesola, who served as Minister of Interior under the Buhari administration, has been active in political engagements following his tenure, advocating for progressive governance and internal party democracy.
While details of their discussion remain undisclosed, political analysts suggest that the meeting could signal a broader alliance-building effort ahead of future elections or a strategic dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
The visit was confirmed by Saifullahi Hassan, media aide to Senator Kwankwaso, through a statement on social media. Hassan described the engagement as a productive discourse between two experienced politicians committed to national development.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, such high-level consultations among political stakeholders are expected to shape the country’s political direction in the coming months.
A reliable source who spoke to The Merit Newspaper suggested that Aregbesola’s recent rift with the APC and his meeting with Kwankwaso could indicate a shift in political alliances, raising questions about potential collaborations between opposition figures in the buildup to the 2027 elections.
