Fayose Alleges Atiku, Makinde Sealed ADC Deal at IBB Residence

Fayose Alleges Atiku, Makinde Sealed ADC Deal at IBB Residence

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed alleged details of a high-level political meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, held at the private residence of former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), in Minna, Niger State.

The meeting, which took place on Tuesday at IBB’s hilltop residence, was initially reported as a private consultation between Atiku and Babangida, with Governor Makinde joining about 40 minutes later for a closed-door session.

However, in a statement posted Wednesday on his verified X account, Fayose claimed the Minna gathering was part of strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to Fayose, the choice of venue and personalities was “carefully orchestrated” to ensure broader northern acceptability and political confidence as discussions intensify over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.

He alleged that Atiku is “70 percent certain” of clinching the ADC presidential ticket, having influenced the party’s decision not to zone its presidential ticket ahead of 2027.

Fayose further claimed that Governor Makinde agreed in principle to join the ADC on the condition that he would emerge as Atiku’s running mate. The arrangement, he said, is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for deliberation and ratification.

The former Ekiti governor also alleged that Makinde pledged an initial financial contribution of N10 billion, to be released in two tranches, toward what he described as the “proper take-off” of the ADC, with additional funding expected once campaigns commence.

On delegate politics, Fayose claimed Makinde assured Atiku of delivering delegates from the Southwest during the ADC primary and leveraging his wife’s Rivers State roots to mobilise support in the South-South.

He further quoted Makinde as arguing that his candidacy as vice presidential nominee would help split Southwest votes in the general election, thereby enhancing the ADC’s electoral chances.

Fayose also revealed that a follow-up meeting has allegedly been scheduled to hold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks.

Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Governor Makinde has officially responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report. Efforts to obtain confirmation from their media aides were ongoing.

The unfolding revelations are expected to heighten political permutations and realignments as stakeholders begin early calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.