Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is scheming to become the running mate of former vice president Atiku Abubakar come 2027 presidential election.

This was after Makinde and Atiku held a closed-door meeting at the residence of former Military Head of States, Ibrahim Babangida, in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.

“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,” Fayose said in a statement.

“Here is what happened behind the curtains. Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.”

He further alleged that consideration was given to the possibility that Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, may not accept serving as Atiku’s running mate and may also not be acceptable to the North as Atiku’s successor.

He said, "Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday

"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 was 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 offered to make available a sum of N10bn (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 Southwest delegates and use the influence of 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 Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage.

"Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks."