Makinde, Atiku meeting with IBB over ADC VP slot – Fayose
Fayose Claims Insights on Makinde and Atiku Meeting
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has provided details regarding a recent meeting in Minna, Niger State, between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Fayose’s assertions were shared on Wednesday via his verified social media account, accompanied by a statement titled “Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna.”
Fayose indicated that Makinde traveled to Minna on Tuesday to engage in discussions with Atiku. He suggested that the meeting’s location and the individuals present were carefully chosen to foster a sense of “confidence and acceptability” among attendees.
According to Fayose, the primary focus of the discussions was the selection of a potential running mate for Atiku ahead of the forthcoming presidential election. He claimed that Atiku’s camp believes Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, would not be suitable as a running mate due to concerns about his acceptability in Northern Nigeria.
Fayose further alleged that Atiku is optimistic about securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that efforts are underway to prevent the party’s ticket from being zoned. He mentioned that Makinde tentatively agreed to join the ADC, contingent upon being named Atiku’s running mate.
The former governor noted that this proposal is expected to be tabled for further consideration by Atiku’s inner circle. Fayose also claimed that Makinde has assured Atiku of his capability to garner political support for the ADC, particularly focusing on the South-West region during the party’s primary elections.
Fayose reported that Makinde intends to deliver delegates from the South-West for the ADC’s primary while also leveraging personal connections in Rivers State to gain support from the South-South region.
He stated, “Atiku is 70% certain of obtaining the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket. Makinde’s agreement to join ADC hinges on his prospective Vice Presidential nomination.” Fayose also claimed that Makinde believes his candidacy could strategically benefit the ADC by dividing votes in the South-West during the general election.
According to Fayose’s remarks, a follow-up meeting is slated to occur in Dubai within the next two weeks. As of this report, there has been no official response from either Makinde or Atiku regarding Fayose’s allegations.
