By Desire Emmanuel
Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, on Wednesday, February 11, gave what he described as “details” of the meeting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had with former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Atiku and Makinde held a ‘closed-door’ meeting with Babangida at the Uphill Mansion of the General on Tuesday afternoon in what was regarded as political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
However, on Wednesday, February 11, Fayose disclosed on his verified X handle that he got detailed information regarding the meeting in Minna.
According to Fayose, Makinde agreed to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) later in the year to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in order to become the running mate of Atiku who is touted to pick the presidential ticket of the party.
Fayose also alleged that at the meeting, Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10 billion, which will be released in two tranches, as his initial contribution towards what the proper take-off of the ADC and make additional funds available when campaign begins.
Below is the post of Fayose on the matter:
“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% 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 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 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.
“Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.”
