Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed details of a high-level meeting in Minna, Niger State, involving former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
According to Fayose, Makinde agreed to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate. He also claimed that Peter Obi was effectively sidelined during discussions due to concerns that he would neither accept deputising Atiku nor gain acceptance in the North as a potential successor.
In a statement personally signed by him, Fayose said:
“Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket as Atiku’s running mate. He also offered an initial N10 billion contribution towards the party’s take-off, to be released in two tranches, with additional funds promised when the campaign begins.
“For the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and leverage his wife’s influence from Rivers State to secure South-South votes. For the general election, dividing Southwest votes will, in his view, give ADC an advantage. A follow-up meeting is scheduled in Dubai within the next two weeks.”
Fayose added that Atiku is reportedly 70% certain of clinching the ADC ticket, having ensured non-zoning of the party’s presidential slot.
The revelation has further intensified speculation about alliances and running-mate negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections.