Politics
Kwankwaso Wooing Aregbesola To Get S’West Votes – Kwankwasiya Chieftain
Emerging information has suggested that last Saturday’s meeting between former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, may have been a strategic move by Kwankwaso to assess his political options in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections.
The two political heavyweights held a closed-door meeting at Aregbesola’s residence in Lagos.
While details of their discussion were not made public, the encounter has fuelled speculation about a possible coalition or alignment.
A source within the Kwankwasiya camp told The PUNCH that Kwankwaso is seeking to leverage Aregbesola’s influence, especially given his estrangement from President Bola Tinubu and his recent exit from the All Progressives Congress.
“It is no secret that Kwankwaso has long sought to expand his political influence beyond the Niger. However, he has faced challenges because many influential figures in the South-West are loyal to Asiwaju. Aregbesola presents an opportunity for him to rekindle his dream of capturing the region, particularly in Lagos and Osun, where Aregbesola commands significant clout,” the source said.
Recently, the Aregbesola-backed political group, Omoluabi Progressives, announced its exit from the APC in Osun, citing victimisation by the party’s mainstream leadership.
Since then, speculation has mounted over Aregbesola’s next political move.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that the meeting between Aregbesola and Kwankwaso was part of efforts to “build bridges across the Niger.”
“All the cards are on the table. If it were left to Kwankwaso, nothing would have leaked to the media. These are still early-stage discussions. However, as you may have noticed, Aregbesola has also been meeting with various political figures. So, it’s not just about him and Kwankwaso. They are, however, two prominent individuals in the evolving political landscape,” Johnson stated.
When asked whether Aregbesola might align with the North to work against Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, Johnson emphasized that the former Osun governor does not require an invitation to stake his claim in any political movement.
He also dismissed the idea that Tinubu’s allies could intimidate Aregbesola, describing him as a formidable grassroots politician with deep-rooted structures in Osun, Lagos, and across Yorubaland.
“Didn’t he oppose Tinubu in 2023? He did, and the sky didn’t fall. Now that he is no longer in the APC, he is politically free. Aregbesola played a major role in Tinubu’s political machinery for years. He was the driving force behind many of Tinubu’s successful campaigns, especially in Lagos. It is well known that in the past, Tinubu could barely move through Alimosho without Aregbesola,” Johnson said.
He further noted that both Kwankwaso and Aregbesola are known for their grassroots approach to politics, adding that whether or not either of them contests in 2027, their influence will be a game-changer for any political group or candidate they choose to support.
“At the moment, I don’t think Aregbesola is planning to contest any position. But he would be a massive ally in the South for Kwankwaso. If they don’t run, they will still dramatically impact whichever candidates or parties they align with. It’s still early days, and many things will crystallise by the last quarter of this year or next,” Johnson added.
Politics
ADC’s Aisha Yesufu Issues Public Apology For Listing Yemi Adamolekun Without Consent
Prominent activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Aisha Yesufu has issued a public apology to governance advocate Yemi Adamolekun following a controversy over her inclusion in the party’s Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.
The issue emerged on Wednesday after Adamolekun, former executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, expressed surprise on social media at seeing her name listed among members of the ADC committee.
Tagging Yesufu and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, Adamolekun questioned the party’s process in a blunt post on X.
“ADC! ADC! ADC! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party! Na wa….” she wrote.
Responding the same day, Abdullahi said the committee was designed to be expert-driven rather than strictly partisan.
“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” he said.
He added, “This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”
Abdullahi maintained that the party had followed due process.
He said the ADC had undergone a “vetting process” and “took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”
Despite the disagreement, he expressed hope that Adamolekun would still participate, citing her “vast experience – even though she is not a member of our party.”
However, reacting on Friday, Yesufu, a member of the party’s Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, acknowledged the error and apologised publicly.
She wrote, “This is inexcusable, and on behalf of my party, accept my apologies for this mix-up. We do not take you and your need to have a better Nigeria for granted.”
Yesufu admitted the process was flawed.
“Like you rightly pointed out, you ought to have been informed and your consent gotten before your name is published.
“This is well noted, and going forward we will continue to ensure due diligence,” she said.
She added, “Thank you for calling our attention to this. We can only get better when we get such feedback and improve accordingly.
“The work to rebuilding Nigeria is enormous, and in our eagerness to start off, we must never forget due process and diligence.”
Yesufu also extended an apology to others affected by the publication.
“For anyone that was also not contacted and consent gotten before publication, kindly accept my apologies for the mix-up,” she said.
Politics
Atiku’s Son Gives Thumbs Up To Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Backs Another Term
Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has attributed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to what he described as the administration’s innovative and business-friendly economic policies.
He said President Tinubu’s economic initiatives are more favourable to businesses than those of previous administrations, adding that the reforms have reshaped his political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abba made the remarks during a solidarity visit to the leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Abuja on Monday evening, where he led members of the Haske Atiku Organisation, now rebranded as the Haske Tinubu Organisation.
He recalled that he formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, collecting his membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he publicly pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
According to him, his decision to back the president was driven by admiration for the economic policies introduced since 2023, which he believes are positioning the country for stronger private-sector growth and investment.
According to him, “This administration has introduced policies that have every Nigerian in mind. If anyone says this government is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying,” he said. “I believe that if given another term, the government will do even more because it is focused.”
He explained that his long-standing experience in business has given him a clear perspective on economic governance in Nigeria.
“Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, I have been in business, and I am still in business today. The economic policies of Mr. President are favourable—not just to businesses, but to Nigerians in general, who are already benefiting from these reforms,” he stated.
He also explained that his decision to join the APC and align with the City Boy Movement was motivated by his passion for the Tinubu-led administration and his desire to serve.
“My joining the APC and the City Boy Movement is based on my belief in this administration. I also intend to use this platform to serve the people of Adamawa at the National Assembly level. Mr. President has made youth inclusion in politics a reality,” Abubakar added.
The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth participation in governance and leadership.
He noted that one of CBM’s core strategic mandates is to ensure that young Nigerians are deliberately positioned for leadership roles while encouraging greater youth involvement in the political process.
Abba’s delegation was received by the Director General of CBM, Mr. Shoga, and the National Coordinator, Mr. Favour Abayomi.
Politics
Oriyomi Hamzat Formally Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race Under Accord Party
Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the Accord Party.
In a public declaration, Hamzat stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027.
“I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone.
“I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”
The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.
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