Fayose Alleges Secret Atiku-Makinde Meeting Focused on ADC Alliance and 2027 Ticket
Fresh allegations have emerged regarding a closed-door meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that reportedly took place in Minna, Niger State. The claims, made by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, suggest the discussions centered on potential political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alleged Vice-Presidential Arrangement and Peter Obi's Position
According to Fayose's post on his verified X account, the meeting addressed sensitive political calculations, including the possibility that Peter Obi would not accept being Atiku's running mate and would also be unacceptable to Northern interests as Atiku's potential successor. Fayose claimed Atiku was approximately 70% certain of securing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, having influenced the party's zoning decisions.
The former governor further alleged that Makinde agreed to join the ADC on the condition that he would secure the vice-presidential slot as Atiku's running mate, pending approval from Atiku's inner circle. This alleged arrangement would represent a significant political realignment as parties begin positioning for the next electoral cycle.
Financial Commitment and Regional Strategy Claims
Fayose's allegations extend to financial and strategic matters, claiming that Governor Makinde pledged N10 billion in two instalments as initial support for ADC mobilization efforts. The former Ekiti governor stated this funding would represent just the beginning, with additional resources expected once campaigns officially commence.
Regarding regional strategy, Fayose alleged that Makinde assured he could influence delegate votes in the South-West geopolitical zone and leverage family connections in Rivers State to rally support in the South-South region. The political calculation reportedly involved using Makinde's presence to potentially split votes in the South-West, thereby strengthening the ADC's overall electoral prospects.
Follow-Up Meeting and Political Implications
The allegations include claims that a follow-up meeting between Atiku and Makinde has been scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks. As of the latest reports, neither Atiku Abubakar nor Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly responded to these claims, and there has been no official confirmation from the ADC regarding the alleged discussions.
These developments come amid ongoing political alignments and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. The allegations, if substantiated, could significantly impact political calculations and alliance formations across Nigeria's political landscape. The claims also follow previous allegations by Fayose regarding meetings between Governor Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting complex political maneuvering is underway.
The political atmosphere is expected to intensify as more details emerge and parties continue their preparations for the upcoming electoral cycle. Observers note that such allegations, whether confirmed or denied, typically influence political narratives and strategic decisions in Nigeria's dynamic political environment.
