Fayose Accuses Makinde of Becoming 'Emergency Opposition Mouthpiece' Following Tinubu Snub
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has launched a scathing attack on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of repositioning himself as what he termed an 'emergency opposition mouthpiece'. This accusation comes in the wake of what Fayose described as a notably cold reception from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during Makinde's recent visit to the Presidential Villa.
Allegations of Frustration Driving Criticism
According to Fayose, Governor Makinde's recent critical remarks against President Tinubu, which were made during the birthday celebration of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, stem directly from frustration. Fayose alleges that this frustration arose after an unsuccessful attempt by Makinde to mend fences and reconcile with the President following previous public disagreements.
'That Seyi Makinde's derogatory comment against President Tinubu at Osinbajo's birthday further confirmed that he got a cold shoulder from the President during his last visit to the Villa,' Fayose stated emphatically in a recent declaration.
The Alleged Villa Visit and Its Aftermath
Fayose provided further details, claiming that Makinde had initially sought to manage the political fallout from his earlier public comments against President Tinubu. However, the visit to the Villa allegedly resulted in disappointment for the Oyo State Governor.
'In his attempt to do damage control on his public speech against the President, Makinde met the shock of his political life when he visited Asiwaju last week,' Fayose revealed, using President Tinubu's popular honorific title.
The former Ekiti governor asserted that this encounter effectively marked the conclusion of any potential reconciliation between the two prominent political figures, particularly as the nation looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.
Political Implications for Oyo State and Beyond
Fayose further elaborated on the broader political implications, alleging that President Tinubu has made his position regarding Oyo State politics unequivocally clear. 'As far as Oyo State is concerned, the President made it clear that he will support his party's candidates in 2027,' Fayose claimed, suggesting a definitive stance from the presidency.
The political veteran also raised serious questions about Governor Makinde's future within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), implying that the party may no longer represent a viable political platform for him moving forward.
Analysis of Makinde's Political Trajectory
Fayose offered a pointed analysis of the situation, stating, 'If Makinde had gotten the soft landing he expected from the President, he wouldn't have gone out to condemn the government of President Tinubu.' This comment underscores the perception that Makinde's recent oppositional stance is directly linked to the alleged snub at the Presidential Villa.
In what appears to be a strategic recommendation, Fayose added, 'The APC in Oyo State should wake up and slug it out with Makinde's candidate, which he will field under the ADC, knowing fully well that the PDP won't be open for him to use.' This statement suggests a belief that Makinde may need to seek alternative political avenues, specifically mentioning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a potential platform.
This developing political narrative highlights the ongoing tensions and realignments within Nigeria's political landscape, particularly among prominent figures in the southwestern region, as strategic positioning for future electoral contests begins to take shape.
