Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed what he described as behind-the-scenes details of a recent meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued on February 11, 2026, Fayose claimed that the meeting, which took place on Tuesday, was strategically arranged with careful consideration of venue and participants to ensure “confidence and acceptability.”
“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,” Fayose said. “Here is what happened behind the curtains.”
According to the former governor, discussions at the meeting centered on potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Fayose alleged that part of the calculations considered the political standing of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, stating, “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.”
He further claimed that Atiku is “70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.”
On Makinde’s alleged role, Fayose said the Oyo governor agreed to join the ADC on the condition that he would be offered the party’s vice-presidential ticket as Atiku’s running mate.
“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,” he stated.
Fayose also alleged that Makinde pledged financial support for the party.
“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,” he said.
He added that the governor reportedly assured support in key regions.
“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,” Fayose claimed.
“He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage.”
Fayose further disclosed that a follow-up meeting has allegedly been scheduled to hold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks.
As of press time, neither Atiku Abubakar nor Governor Makinde has publicly responded to the claims.
The alleged meeting and its reported agenda add a new dimension to the evolving political alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
