2027: Atiku, Fayose Clash Over Makinde’s Minna Visit

Key Takeaways

• Atiku Abubakar has dismissed Fayose’s claims of a 2027 political deal involving Governor Seyi Makinde following a reported meeting in Minna.
• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed allegations by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose over an alleged political deal involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the claims as “desperate” and “baseless.”The rebuttal followed reports of a closed-door meeting between Atiku and Makinde at the Minna residence of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, which triggered speculation of a possible 2027 political arrangement.In a statement issued on Wednesday, Fayose alleged that Makinde had offered to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Atiku’s running mate in 2027, pledging ₦10bn to support the party and promising to deliver delegates to secure Atiku’s presidential ticket.
• Fayose further claimed that another meeting had been scheduled in Dubai to finalise the deal.Reacting on Thursday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku categorically denied all aspects of the allegation, insisting that no discussions were held on vice-presidential tickets, funding, zoning, or delegate mobilisation.The statement described Fayose’s claims as a “malicious fabrication” and urged the public to disregard what it termed “insider fiction” aimed at provoking controversy and manufacturing relevance.“At no time did former Vice President Atiku Abubakar engage in the imaginary horse-trading described in that publication,” the statement read, adding that Atiku’s political engagements remain “principled, broad-based and national in scope.”However, Fayose fired back later on Thursday via his X account, warning that he would reveal further details of the Minna meeting if Atiku failed to publicly disown the statement within 48 hours.