Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has claimed that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is set to become the running mate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reportedly contributing N10 billion to the party.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that the alleged arrangement reportedly followed a private meeting on Tuesday at the Minna residence of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida. The session, according to Fayose, included Atiku and Makinde, though Atiku later described the gathering as a routine consultation.
In a statement titled “Between Atiku and Makinde: Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday”, Fayose suggested that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi had been ruled out of contention for the party’s presidential ticket, creating a pathway for Makinde to assume the vice-presidential slot.
He wrote: “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.
“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.”
Neither Makinde nor Atiku has publicly confirmed Fayose’s allegations.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that representatives of the Oyo State governor have remained silent on the report, and the ADC has not issued an official statement regarding ticket arrangements or funding pledges.
