Rauf Aregbesola

Former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso recently met in Lagos for a “strategic” discussion in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

“Aregbesola and Kwankwaso just completed a marathon meeting in Lagos where they strategised on the 2027 election,” a source within the party disclosed.

This development follows the recent exit of Aregbesola’s political group, Omoluabi Progressives, from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abosede Oluwaseun, the group’s spokesperson, explained that their decision to leave was due to issues such as “ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure.”

Shortly after, the APC in Osun State expelled Aregbesola, citing alleged anti-party activities. Aregbesola, who served as Osun’s governor from 2010 to 2018 under the APC and later as a minister in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, now finds himself at the center of discussions on forming a coalition to challenge the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

In recent months, key opposition figures have been holding similar strategic meetings. In November, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) over breakfast in Adamawa.

In January, Nasir el-Rufai, former Kaduna governor, and Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former aide to the late Sani Abacha, convened in Abuja alongside other politicians in a meeting organized by Shehu Gabam, the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Kwankwaso, who was the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has remained a significant figure in opposition politics.

Meanwhile, Ajuji Ahmed, the NNPP chairman, recently stated that while the party is not currently engaged in coalition discussions, it is open to the possibility in the future.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Immediate past Nigeria Interior Minister and two-term governor of Osun State, Abdulrauf Aregbesola, has disclosed that he is back to restructure the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun State.

On Wednesday, Aregbesola made his intention public while addressing party faithfuls at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

The former governor sought forgiveness of the party party members and stated that it is time for restructuring and reconciliation in the party.

He noted that he did not offend anybody, but said, “whoever feels that we offend him or she should forgive us.

“We seek forgiveness from those who thought we offended and those who sought our downfall.”

“We were here in 2019 after the Supreme Court affirmed the mandate of the former governor, Gboyega Oyetola. I called for unity in the party. I warned that disunity will not produce any good result. But devil didn’t allow them (those who handled the party affairs) to listen.

“We seek forgiveness from those who are smearing our image, though we never offended them.

“We supported them with all I have to see to their success. I didn’t ask for anything from them. I need to emphasize that I didn’t ask for anything from them. But they chose to repay evil for good.

“However, we are here for the restructuring of the party. That is why we are begging anybody that feels that we offended him or her to forgive us.”

By Muhammad Sabiu