The political waters in Nigeria are stirred once again as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose engage in a fierce public dispute over the contents of a controversial meeting between Atiku and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. This confrontation stems from reports of a secretive gathering in Minna, which has raised eyebrows about possible political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fayose made waves when he alleged in a statement that Makinde had secretly met with Atiku at the residence of former military leader Gen Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, Niger State. According to Fayose, the meeting had led to a political deal where Makinde offered to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 elections. Fayose claimed Makinde promised N10 billion in financial support for the party, as well as a commitment to deliver delegates who would secure Atiku’s presidential nomination. Furthermore, he mentioned that the two politicians had plans to meet in Dubai to finalize the arrangements.
However, Atiku swiftly responded through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, vehemently denying the claims. In a statement, Atiku described Fayose’s narrative as a “reckless and malicious fabrication,” dismissing it as a “shameless concoction” designed to stir controversy. He categorically denied any discussions involving N10 billion, political tickets, or backroom dealings, and urged the public to reject the allegations as unfounded gossip.
“This entire publication is a tissue of lies stitched together by a serial purveyor of political gossip,” the statement said. Atiku’s camp went on to criticize Fayose for spreading what they termed as “fiction” rather than credible political analysis, stating that the former governor’s relevance in Nigerian politics was now built on sensationalism rather than substance.
Atiku’s statement further clarified that his political engagements were “broad-based, principled, and national in scope,” emphasizing that he did not partake in “narrow, transactional theatrics” as alleged. The former vice president also accused Fayose of lacking political gravitas, suggesting that his credibility had long since eroded.
Fayose, undeterred by Atiku’s denial, fired back later on social media, daring the former vice president to publicly disown the statement within 48 hours. In a pointed tweet, Fayose threatened to disclose more details about the Minna meeting if Atiku did not retract his public statement. He promised to expose what was said about Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike during the meeting, signaling that the saga was far from over.
The exchange between Atiku and Fayose comes at a time when political tensions are mounting within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the broader Nigerian political landscape. While Fayose and Atiku’s allies trade accusations, the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has also weighed in, alleging that the meeting between Atiku and Makinde was part of a “political contract” designed to fleece Oyo State’s finances ahead of the next general election. The APC insinuated that Atiku had used southern governors in the past to bankroll his presidential ambitions and that Makinde could fall victim to the same manipulation.
Despite these accusations, the PDP in Oyo State has remained firm in denying any such arrangement, labeling the APC’s claims as “reckless and unfounded.” Michael Ogunsina, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Oyo, rebuffed the APC’s allegations, maintaining that the party remained focused on governance and its commitment to the welfare of the state’s people. He also took aim at Fayose, mocking him as a “self-appointed political gossip distributor” whose claims lacked credibility.
The ongoing feud between Atiku, Fayose, and their respective political factions highlights the deepening divisions within Nigeria’s political elite, with the 2027 presidential race already taking shape behind the scenes. While Atiku’s camp remains focused on what it describes as principled political engagement, Fayose’s supporters see the controversy as an opportunity to weaken Atiku’s position in the run-up to the next election
