Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday dismissed claims by former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose alleging a secret political deal involving Oyo State Gov. Seyi Makinde as “baseless” and “malicious.”
The dispute followed reports of a closed-door meeting between Atiku and Makinde at the Minna residence of former military head of state Ibrahim Babangida ,fueling speculation about possible political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement Wednesday, Fayose claimed Makinde had offered to defect to the African Democratic Congress as Atiku’s running mate in 2027, promising 10 billion naira to support the party and help secure its presidential ticket. Fayose also alleged that another meeting was planned in Dubai to finalize the arrangement.
Atiku, through his aide Phrank Shaibu, denied the allegations, saying no discussions took place about vice-presidential tickets, financial contributions or zoning arrangements.
“Let it be stated clearly: the entire publication is a shameless concoction,” the statement said. “There were no negotiations over vice-presidential tickets. There were no discussions about N10bn contributions.”
Late Thursday, Fayose responded on social media, saying he expected Atiku to disown the rebuttal within 48 hours. He threatened to disclose additional details about the Minna meeting if no retraction was issued.
The controversy prompted reactions from political parties in Oyo State.
The Oyo chapter of the All Progressives Congress alleged that the meeting signaled a political arrangement that could expose the state’s finances ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement by its publicity secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party accused Makinde and Atiku of pursuing personal political interests.
The Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. Its publicity secretary, Michael Ogunsina, said the party remained focused on governance and development in the state.
“Oyo is not anyone’s personal vault,” Ogunsina said, adding that the state government’s finances are managed with transparency and accountability.
Neither Atiku nor Makinde has announced any formal political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.
