South-West Politics: Kwankwaso Courts Aregbesola in Bid to Expand Influence

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has held a secret meeting with former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola. The meeting, which took place at Aregbesola’s residence in Lagos, has sparked speculation about a possible alliance between the two political heavyweights.

According to sources close to the meeting, Kwankwaso is seeking to expand his party’s influence in the South-West, a region that has traditionally been a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aregbesola, who recently exited the APC, is seen as a key player in the region, with a strong following in Lagos and Osun states.

The meeting between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola is seen as a strategic move by the NNPP to gain traction in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections. With Aregbesola’s influence and Kwankwaso’s national appeal, the two politicians could potentially form a formidable alliance that could shake up the region’s politics.

NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that the meeting was part of efforts to “build bridges across the Niger.” Johnson emphasized that Aregbesola’s influence will be a game-changer for any political group or candidate he chooses to support.

Aregbesola’s recent exit from the APC has created a power vacuum in the South-West, which the NNPP is seeking to exploit. With Kwankwaso’s national appeal and Aregbesola’s regional influence, the two politicians could potentially form a winning ticket in the region.

The meeting between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola has also sparked speculation about a possible presidential bid by the NNPP in 2027. With Aregbesola’s influence in the South-West and Kwankwaso’s national appeal, the NNPP could potentially field a strong candidate for the presidency.

However, it remains to be seen whether the alliance between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola will materialize. The two politicians have different ideological leanings, and it is unclear whether they can find common ground.

Despite the uncertainty, the meeting between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola has sent a clear signal that the NNPP is serious about expanding its influence in the South-West. With Aregbesola’s influence and Kwankwaso’s national appeal, the party could potentially become a major player in the region’s politics.