Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has dropped a political bombshell, alleging that Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, is set to become former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election—at a cost of N10 billion.
According to Fayose, the deal was sealed during Tuesday’s high-profile meeting at the Minna residence of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). While Atiku later dismissed the gathering as a routine consultation, Fayose claims what transpired behind closed doors tells a different story.
In a statement titled ‘Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday’, Fayose alleged that Makinde is prepared to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the condition that he is handed its vice-presidential ticket.
Fayose—who served two terms as Ekiti State governor (2003–2006 and 2014–2018)—claimed that Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor and ADC chieftain, has been edged out of the party’s presidential ticket, paving the way for Makinde to run alongside Atiku.
He said: “It is no longer news that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, went to Minna, Niger State, yesterday to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“Here is what happened behind the curtains.
“Venue and personalities involved in the meeting was carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.
“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.
“Also, Atiku is 70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.
“Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket, as Atiku’s running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification.
“Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10bn (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called “proper take-off of the ADC,” and make additional funds available when campaign begins.
“The Governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and use the influence of wife, who is from Rivers State to secure delegate votes in the South-South.
“He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage.”
Fayose added that a follow-up meeting had been fixed for Dubai, UAE, within the next two weeks.
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