*’Makinde Wants VP Slot, To Divide Tinubu’s South-West Votes’
*’Oyo Gov Reportedly Vows To Bring N10b To ADC, Additional Funds During Electioneering Campaigns’
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, has revealed details of what transpired at the meeting among Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde; former Vice-President (VP) Atiku Abubakar (popularly known as Atiku); and former military prey, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in Minna, Niger State on Tuesday.
Fayose specifically revealed that the meeting was held to seal a deal on how to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, adding that Makinde could run as VP candidate to Atiku under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement he personally signed and entitled ‘Between Atiku and Makinde: Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday –Fayose’, the former governor also claimed that ADC chieftain and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, would not accept to be running mate to Atiku.
“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 per cent certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.
“Makinde agreed to join the 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 offered to make available a sum of N10 billion (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called ‘proper take-off of the ADC,’ and make additional funds available when campaign begins.
“The governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the South-West delegates and use the influence of his wife, who is from Rivers State to secure delegate votes in the South-South.
“He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the South-West votes will give the ADC the needed advantage. Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Fayose (left) and Makinde.
