Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected allegations by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose linking Seyi Makinde to a purported 2027 political deal, describing the claims as “desperate” and “baseless.”
The dispute followed reports of a closed-door meeting involving Atiku and Makinde at the Minna residence of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, which sparked speculation about a possible political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fayose had alleged that Makinde offered to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Atiku’s running mate and pledged ₦10 billion to support the party’s activities and secure delegates for Atiku’s presidential ticket. He also claimed the pair scheduled another meeting in Dubai to conclude negotiations.
Responding through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku denied all allegations, insisting no such negotiations or financial discussions occurred. He described the report as a fabricated story intended to mislead the public.
“Our attention has been drawn to a reckless and malicious fabrication… the entire publication is a shameless concoction,” the statement said, stressing that there were no talks about vice-presidential slots, zoning arrangements, delegate guarantees, or any planned Dubai meeting. The former vice president urged the public to disregard the claims, maintaining that his political engagements remain principled and national in scope.
Late Thursday, Fayose reacted on his X account, saying he found the rebuttal amusing and suggesting Atiku might not have authorised it. He warned that unless Atiku publicly disowned the statement within 48 hours, he would reveal further details about the Minna meeting, including what he claimed was said about Nyesom Wike.
The controversy also triggered political exchanges in Oyo State between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Oyo APC, through its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, alleged the meeting formed part of a political arrangement that could expose the state’s finances ahead of the next general election, vowing to resist any such move. The party accused both Atiku and Makinde of allowing political ambition to overshadow their judgment and warned that any alliance could end disastrously for the governor.
In response, the Oyo PDP dismissed the claims as reckless and unfounded. Its Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunsina, said the party remained focused on governance and development, insisting that no propaganda or politically motivated allegations would distract it from delivering for residents. He added that Oyo’s finances were managed transparently and that the state government continued to pay workers and pensioners while investing in infrastructure and youth employment.
Dip Connect Online News reports that the escalating war of words underscores rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 election cycle, as rival figures and parties trade accusations over alleged alliances and future power arrangements.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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