Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has shed light on the discussions held during a recent meeting in Minna, Niger State, involving former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Fayose revealed that Governor Makinde agreed to align with Atiku as his vice-presidential running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He further alleged that Peter Obi was sidelined during the talks amid concerns that he might decline to serve as Atiku’s deputy and could face challenges securing broad acceptance in the North as a potential successor.
In a statement he personally signed, Fayose said, “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.
“Here is what happened behind the curtains. Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.
“Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku’s running mate and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor.
“Also, Atiku is 70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.
“Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket, as Atiku’s running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification.
Makinde reportedly pledged to provide N10 billion, to be released in two tranches, as his initial contribution toward what he described as the “proper take-off of the ADC,” with a promise of additional funding once the campaign formally begins.
According to the account, the governor also assured that he would deliver delegates from the Southwest during the party’s primary election and leverage the influence of his wife, who hails from Rivers State, to secure support from delegates in the South-South.
He was further quoted as saying that positioning him on the ticket would help split votes in the Southwest to the party’s advantage in the general election, while a follow-up meeting has reportedly been scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the next two weeks.
