‘What Transpired When Atiku, Makinde Met IBB In Minna’ – Fayose Opens Can Of Worms
A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged details of a high-level political meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, claiming discussions centred on a potential presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement shared via his verified X handle on Wednesday, Fayose said the Minna meeting was strategically arranged, with the “venue and personalities involved carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.”
He claimed that political calculations around zoning and regional acceptability shaped the talks.
According to him, “Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku’s running mate and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor.”
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Fayose further alleged that Atiku was “70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.”
On Makinde’s reported role, Fayose claimed the Oyo governor agreed to join the ADC on the condition that he would emerge as Atiku’s running mate.
He added that the proposal would be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus “for further discussions and ratification.”
The former Ekiti governor also alleged a financial commitment, stating that Makinde offered to make available N10bn “to be released in two tranches,” as an initial contribution towards what he described as the “proper take-off of the ADC,” with additional funding when campaigns commence.
Fayose claimed Makinde assured he would deliver Southwest delegates at the party primary and leverage regional alliances to boost support in the South-South.
He added that a follow-up meeting had been fixed for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks.
As at press time, neither Atiku nor Makinde had publicly responded to the claims. The ADC has also not issued an official statement regarding the alleged arrangement.
