Fayose alleges tense exchange between Tinubu and Makinde during villa visit
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday was marked by frank exchanges over politics, party loyalty and recent public comments attributed to the Oyo governor.
In a statement circulated shortly after the visit, Fayose claimed that Governor Makinde did not meet the President alone, but was accompanied by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang. According to Fayose, President Tinubu made it clear that he was prepared to listen to Makinde on official matters relating to Oyo State, but not on partisan political issues.
Fayose alleged that the President expressed displeasure over Makinde’s earlier public comments accusing the Federal Government of plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. The former Ekiti governor quoted the President as telling Makinde that political grievances should be aired publicly, as done previously, rather than being discussed privately behind closed doors.
He further claimed that President Tinubu told Makinde he did not expect political support from him ahead of the 2027 general elections and affirmed that he would continue to support his own party. Fayose also alleged that the President described Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a consistent ally whose support he could not deny or disregard, adding that any dispute between Makinde and Wike should remain a personal matter between the two politicians.
According to Fayose, the outcome of the meeting explained Makinde’s subsequent remarks to journalists that he was “comfortable” in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that the Oyo governor had no political future in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Ekiti governor also raised fresh questions about a N30 billion federal intervention fund reportedly received by the Oyo State Government following the January 2023 Ibadan explosion, urging Makinde to account to the people of the state on how the funds were utilised.
Neither the Presidency nor Governor Makinde has officially responded to Fayose’s claims as of the time of filing this report. The visit, however, has continued to generate debate within political circles, reflecting ongoing tensions within opposition ranks and the broader dynamics of cross-party engagements under the Tinubu administration.
