By Babs Oyetoro
A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is actively lobbying to be the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Fayose further claimed that the alleged arrangement was discussed at a closed-door meeting involving the two politicians and former military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, in Minna, Niger State.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at Babangida’s residence, has generated political ripples amid ongoing consultations and realignments among opposition figures ahead of the next general election.
While Atiku told journalists shortly after the meeting that his presidential ambition was not on the table, Fayose offered a sharply different account, insisting that the 2027 contest formed the crux of the deliberations.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Wednesday titled, “Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,” Fayose declared that the visit was far from ceremonial.
“The meeting in Minna was not a social visit as portrayed. The 2027 presidential election was extensively discussed,” he stated.
Fayose began by noting that it was already public knowledge that Governor Makinde had travelled to Minna to meet with Atiku.
“It is no longer news that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, went to Minna, Niger State, yesterday to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Here is what happened behind the curtains.”
According to him, both the venue and personalities involved were “carefully chosen to ensure confidence and acceptability,” suggesting deliberate efforts to maintain confidentiality.
He further alleged that strategic calculations were made ahead of the 2027 race.
“Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept being Atiku’s running mate, and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor.”
Fayose also claimed that Atiku was already well-positioned within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Atiku is 70 per cent certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.”
Central to Fayose’s claim is the assertion that Makinde’s alignment with the coalition is conditional.
“Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he would be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket, as Atiku’s running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification.”
He went further to allege that the Oyo governor pledged substantial financial backing for the proposed coalition.
“Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10bn (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called ‘proper take-off of the ADC,’ and make additional funds available when the campaign begins.”
According to Fayose, Makinde also assured that he would play a strategic role during the ADC primaries.
“The Governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and use the influence of his wife, who is from Rivers State, to secure delegate votes in the South-South.”
He added that Makinde reportedly argued that his candidacy as vice president would help split votes in the Southwest during the general election.
“He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage.”
Fayose concluded by revealing that a follow-up meeting had already been scheduled.
“Follow-up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE, within the next two weeks.”
Fayose, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the claims.
As of press time, neither Makinde nor Atiku had issued a formal response to the detailed allegations.
The development comes amid intensifying speculation over possible mergers, defections and strategic alliances among opposition politicians seeking to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
