Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has revealed what he describes as the "untold story" behind a high-profile closed-door meeting in Minna, Niger State, involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to Fayose, the discussions held at the residence of former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) centered on political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with Makinde positioning himself as Atiku's potential running mate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The meeting, which took place yesterday, saw Atiku arrive first around 1:30 pm before Makinde joined approximately 40 minutes later, leading to private consultations. Public reports have described the gathering as focused on bolstering ADC structures in Niger State, with Atiku himself downplaying any link to 2027 presidential ambitions.
However, in a post on X, Fayose claims the session involved deeper strategic negotiations.
Key details from Fayose's account include:
The venue and participants were deliberately selected to build trust and broad acceptance.
Discussions acknowledged that Labour Party's Peter Obi is unlikely to accept a running mate role under Atiku and would face resistance in the North as a potential successor.
Atiku is reportedly 70% confident of securing the ADC presidential ticket, having influenced the party to avoid zoning the presidential slot.
In exchange for joining the ADC, Makinde allegedly demanded and was conditionally promised the party's vice presidential ticket as Atiku's running mate. This arrangement awaits ratification by Atiku's inner caucus.
Makinde pledged an initial N10 billion contribution to the ADC (to be disbursed in two tranches) to support the party's "proper take-off," with more funds promised during the campaign phase.
He assured delivery of Southwest delegates for the ADC primary and vowed to leverage his wife's Rivers State ties to secure South-South delegate votes.
Makinde argued that his involvement would split Southwest votes in the general election, providing ADC with a strategic edge.
Fayose further disclosed that a follow-up meeting has been scheduled in Dubai, UAE, within the next two weeks to advance these plans.
The revelations come amid speculation about defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and growing interest in the ADC as a platform for opposition coalitions. While Atiku has publicly emphasized party-building efforts, the claims highlight potential behind-the-scenes maneuvering for the 2027 presidential race.
Neither Atiku nor Makinde has commented on Fayose's specific allegations at the time of this report. Political observers note the tensions within opposition circles, including rivalries and shifting alliances post-2023 elections.
