Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has claimed that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, held strategic discussions with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during a recent visit to former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Fayose alleged that the meeting focused on arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Makinde expressing interest in emerging as Atiku’s running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to Fayose, the Minna meeting was carefully planned, with key figures selected to ensure confidence and political acceptability. He claimed that the decision was influenced by the belief that the Labour Party’s Peter Obi would neither accept a vice-presidential slot nor be widely acceptable in the North as Atiku’s successor.
Fayose further alleged that Atiku is confident of securing the ADC presidential ticket, following moves to remove zoning restrictions within the party. He said Makinde agreed to join the ADC on the condition that he would be nominated as the party’s vice-presidential candidate, a proposal reportedly to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for consideration.
The former Ekiti governor also claimed that Makinde pledged an initial ₦10 billion contribution to support the opposition party’s activities, with assurances of additional funding once campaigns commence.
Fayose added that Makinde allegedly promised to help secure ADC delegates during the party’s primaries, particularly in the South-West, and to leverage personal ties in Rivers State to gain support in the South-South. He further claimed that Makinde believes his participation could help split South-West votes traditionally favoring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, giving the ADC a competitive edge in the general election.
