Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed allegations by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose describing claims of a secret 2027 political deal involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as “desperate” and “baseless.”
The controversy followed reports of a closed-door meeting between Atiku and Makinde at the Minna residence of former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida, sparking speculation about possible 2027 election alignments.
Fayose Alleges 2027 ADC Deal, N10bn Offer
In a statement on Wednesday, Fayose alleged that Makinde offered to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Atiku’s 2027 running mate.
He further claimed the Oyo governor pledged N10 billion to support the party’s structure and promised to mobilise delegates to secure Atiku’s presidential ticket. Fayose also alleged that another strategic meeting was scheduled in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to finalise negotiations.
The claims triggered intense political debate over emerging 2027 election alliances.
Atiku Denies ‘Horse-Trading’ Claims
Reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the allegations as a “reckless and malicious fabrication.”
According to the former vice president, no discussions took place regarding:
Any vice-presidential ticket arrangement
A N10bn financial contribution
Zoning agreements
Delegate mobilisation guarantees
Any proposed Dubai meeting
Atiku insisted his political engagements remain “broad-based, principled, and national in scope,” dismissing the claims as “insider fiction manufactured to mislead.”
He urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as political gossip and propaganda aimed at distracting from serious national issues.
Fayose Fires Back, Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum
In a late Thursday response via his X account, Fayose challenged Atiku to publicly disown the rebuttal statement within 48 hours.
He warned that failure to do so would compel him to release further details about the Minna meeting, including alleged discussions involving other political figures.
Fayose stated he was withholding additional revelations out of respect but signalled readiness to “spill more beans” if provoked.
Oyo APC, PDP Trade Accusations
The political storm deepened as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State exchanged sharp accusations.
APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Contract
The Oyo APC, through its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, alleged that the Minna meeting signalled a “political contract” that could expose Oyo State’s finances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party accused Atiku of seeking financial backing from southern governors for presidential ambitions and warned against what it described as a proposed N10bn “down payment” to secure Makinde’s vice-presidential slot under the ADC.
The APC further claimed the alleged alliance could destabilise Oyo’s finances and vowed to resist any such arrangement.
PDP Dismisses Allegations as Propaganda
In response, Oyo PDP Publicity Secretary Michael Ogunsina described the allegations as “reckless and unfounded.”
He insisted that Governor Makinde remains focused on governance, transparency, and developmental projects across Oyo State.
The PDP accused the APC of spreading misinformation and politically motivated fiction, arguing that Oyo’s resources are managed responsibly and not subject to secret political deals.
2027 Election Politics Gathering Momentum
The Atiku-Fayose clash underscores growing manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with political realignments and alliance speculations already shaping national discourse.
While Atiku denies any transactional arrangement, Fayose maintains there is more to reveal. Meanwhile, the APC and PDP continue to weaponise the controversy in Oyo State’s political landscape.
As 2027 approaches, the Minna meeting controversy highlights the intensifying battle for influence, alliances, and positioning within Nigeria’s evolving political terrain.
