Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, held a significant meeting in Lagos on Saturday to strategize for the upcoming 2027 general election. However, the details of their discussions remain undisclosed at this time.
The meeting, which was confirmed by sources close to the leaders, took place days after Aregbesola’s political group, Omoluabi Progressives, officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group’s spokesperson, Abosede Oluwaseun, explained the decision, citing reasons such as “ostracisation from the party” and “suspension and expulsion of leaders without fair hearing.”
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso, who was previously the governor of Kano State, remains a crucial figure in the NNPP, despite the ongoing tensions within the party. His faction, which is led by him, has faced expulsion from the party. The NNPP’s National Chairman, Agbo Major, made it clear that the faction led by Kwankwaso remains expelled from the party.
Political Realignment and Coalition Discussions for 2027
As the 2027 general election approaches, discussions surrounding political coalitions and alliances have gained momentum. Politicians from opposition parties, including Kwankwaso’s NNPP, are holding strategic meetings to explore potential partnerships to challenge the ruling APC.
In November, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with Peter Obi, a prominent member of the Labour Party (LP), to discuss possible coalition efforts. More recently, in January, Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, and other influential figures convened in Abuja under the guidance of the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PDP), Shehu Gabam.
Kwankwaso’s Faction Expelled from NNPP
Despite the ongoing dialogue and potential for future collaboration, the battle for control within the NNPP continues. The Kwankwaso faction, which has rejected the legitimacy of the party’s convention led by Agbo Major, has been expelled. This decision stems from the faction’s refusal to recognize the party’s leadership after Major’s election as National Chairman.
Major’s faction maintains that the convention, which was held on February 4, 2025, was fully legal and in compliance with a recent court ruling. He emphasized that the Abia High Court’s judgment mandated that the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT) take over the party’s affairs until the resolution of all ongoing court cases.
Legal and Organizational Reforms within NNPP
Major outlined that the convention ratified the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his group, known as the Kwankwassiya movement. The convention also ratified congresses held from the ward to the zonal levels and approved the reversion to the party’s original logo.
In a statement, Major called for the peaceful departure of Kwankwaso’s faction from the NNPP, stressing that the leadership of the party is committed to adhering to the law and maintaining the integrity of the party.
Conclusion: A Divided NNPP and Future Political Dynamics
The rift within the NNPP reflects larger political dynamics as key figures like Kwankwaso and Aregbesola seek to consolidate power and build alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite the internal divisions, the party’s influence, as well as the growing conversations about political coalitions, signal that the 2027 race will be one to watch closely.
