2027: Details of Atiku-Makinde meeting in Minna, by Fayose

Reveals that Oyo gov wants to be Atiku’s VP in ADC, promised to donate N10bn

Says Atiku 70% certain of getting ADC ticket, having ensured non-zoning of party’s presidential ticket

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, has revealed details of what transpired at the meeting between Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde; former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; and former military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, in Minna, Niger State on Tuesday.

Fayose specifically revealed that the meeting was held to seal a deal on how to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, adding that Makinde could run as vice presidential candidate to Atiku under the All Democratic Alliance (ADC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday and shared on his verified X account, titled “Between Atiku and Makinde: Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday –Fayose,” the former governor also claimed that former Governor Peter Obi would not accept to be running mate to Alhaji Abubakar.

“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 were 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 per cent certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.

“Makinde agreed to join the 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 N10 billion (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 South-West delegates and use the influence of his 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 South-West votes will give the ADC the needed advantage. Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.

As at press time, neither Makinde nor Atiku had reacted to the former Ekiti State governor’s claims.