A political dispute has emerged between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose regarding an alleged presidential deal involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The controversy centers on a private meeting between Atiku and Makinde at the Minna residence of former military leader Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, which has triggered widespread speculation about potential arrangements for the 2027 presidential race.
In a Wednesday statement, Fayose alleged that Makinde proposed joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Atiku’s running mate in 2027, claiming the governor offered ₦10 billion to establish the party and pledged to deliver delegates to secure Atiku’s presidential nomination. Fayose further suggested the pair planned a follow-up meeting in Dubai to finalize negotiations.
Atiku rejected these claims through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, calling them “desperate” and “baseless fabrications.” The statement emphasized that no discussions occurred regarding financial contributions or running mate arrangements.
“The entire publication is a shameless concoction — manufactured by someone whose relevance depends on controversy and cheap propaganda,” Shaibu stated. “There were no negotiations over vice-presidential tickets, no discussions about ₦10 billion contributions, and no clandestine Dubai meeting.”
Fayose responded late Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), demanding Atiku retract the denial within 48 hours or face further revelations about the Minna meeting, including details about what was allegedly discussed regarding Minister Nyesom Wike.
The dispute has spilled into Oyo State politics, with the state chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) exchanging accusations. The APC warned that any political alliance between Makinde and Atiku could drain state resources ahead of 2027, while the PDP dismissed the allegations as “reckless misinformation” from a party relying on “recycled bitterness.”
The APC statement suggested Atiku seeks revenge for Makinde’s alleged betrayals during the 2019 and 2023 elections, warning that the governor risks becoming “the worst loser” in this political arrangement.
PDP Publicity Secretary Michael Ogunsina defended Makinde’s governance record, noting regular payment of workers and pensioners, infrastructure upgrades, and youth employment initiatives. He accused the APC of manufacturing scandals while Nigerians suffer under federal government economic policies.
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