Minna Political Talks: Fayose Reveals Atiku–Makinde ADC Deal, Alleges Obi Sidelined Ahead of 2027
High-level political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections have begun to reshape alignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, with fresh details emerging from a strategic meeting held in Minna, Niger State.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has shed light on the closed-door deliberations involving former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. PulseNets learnt that the high-stakes engagement centered on possible political realignments under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to information obtained by PulseNets, Fayose disclosed that Governor Makinde expressed readiness to align with Atiku Abubakar as his running mate on the ADC platform, subject to internal party consultations and ratification.
The former governor further alleged that Labour Party’s Peter Obi was tactically edged out of the discussions over apprehensions that he would neither accept a vice-presidential slot under Atiku nor command sufficient political acceptability in Northern Nigeria as a prospective successor.
In a personally signed statement obtained by PulseNets, Fayose provided insight into what he described as the strategic undercurrents of the Minna meeting.
“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 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 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 Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage. Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.”
PulseNets reported that the political calculus outlined by Fayose signals an attempt to consolidate regional delegate strength ahead of the ADC primary, particularly in the Southwest and South-South zones. The alleged N10 billion financial commitment underscores the scale of mobilisation being contemplated as opposition actors recalibrate ahead of 2027.
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Political analysts who spoke to PulseNets noted that the mention of non-zoning of the ADC presidential ticket could significantly shape the party’s internal power dynamics, especially if Atiku secures broad-based support within the caucus structure.
As developments unfold, attention is expected to shift to the proposed follow-up meeting in Dubai, where further negotiations and strategic alignments may be formalised.
