Between Atiku and Makinde: Fayose Reveals Details of Minna Meeting
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has revealed details of what he described as behind-the-scenes negotiations between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during a closed-door meeting held in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.
According to Fayose, the meeting—whose venue and participants were “carefully chosen to ensure confidence and acceptability”—focused on strategic political alignments ahead of the next general election.
Fayose alleged that discussions centered on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Atiku’s reported interest in securing the party’s presidential ticket.
He claimed that Atiku is “70 percent certain” of clinching the ADC ticket, having influenced the party’s decision not to zone its presidential slot.
The former governor further stated that Makinde agreed in principle to join the ADC on the condition that he would be offered the party’s vice-presidential ticket as Atiku’s running mate. The proposal, Fayose said, is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for deliberation and ratification.
In what could signal a significant political realignment, Fayose also alleged that Makinde pledged financial support to the ADC, offering an initial contribution of ₦10 billion to facilitate what he termed the “proper take-off of the party.” The funds, according to Fayose, would be released in two tranches, with additional financial backing to follow at the commencement of campaign activities.
On party primaries, Makinde reportedly assured Atiku of his capacity to deliver delegates from the Southwest region. Fayose added that the Oyo governor also promised to leverage his wife’s Rivers State roots to mobilize support among South-South delegates.
Strategically, Makinde was said to have argued that his presence on the ticket could split Southwest votes during the general election, thereby giving the ADC a competitive edge.
Fayose disclosed that a follow-up meeting between the two political figures has been scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks.
As of press time, neither Atiku Abubakar nor Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly confirmed or denied the claims. Political observers say the alleged talks, if substantiated, could signal a major shift in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
