Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is making moves to emerge as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Fayose made the claim on Wednesday while reacting to a Tuesday meeting in Minna, Niger State, involving Atiku, Makinde and former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

According to him, the meeting was not routine but part of wider political consultations and alignments ahead of the next election cycle.

“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 in a statement, adding that the venue and participants were deliberately selected to give the talks credibility and political weight.

Claims of ADC Presidential and Vice-Presidential Deal

Fayose alleged that discussions at the meeting focused on Atiku’s purported plan to secure the ADC presidential ticket, with Makinde positioning himself for the vice-presidential slot.

He further claimed that part of the consideration was the uncertainty over whether Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, would agree to serve as Atiku’s running mate, or be broadly acceptable in the North as a potential successor.

According to Fayose, Atiku is “70 percent certain” of clinching the ADC ticket, allegedly because arrangements have been made to ensure the party’s presidential ticket would not be zoned.

The former governor alleged that Makinde agreed to join the ADC on the understanding that he would be offered the vice-presidential ticket, subject to approval by Atiku’s inner circle.

Alleged Funding and Regional Strategy

Fayose also claimed that Makinde promised to release N10 billion in two phases as an initial contribution to support ADC activities, with further financial backing expected once campaigns begin.

He further alleged that Makinde assured Atiku he could mobilise Southwest delegates during the party primaries and tap into his wife’s roots in Rivers State to attract support from the South-South.

Fayose quoted Makinde as allegedly saying that his involvement could help split Southwest votes in the general election, giving the ADC a strategic edge.

No Official Response Yet

As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Makinde nor former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had publicly responded to the allegations.

Political observers say developments within opposition circles may continue to shape early alignments ahead of 2027, though much remains speculative at this stage.