Fayose Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Atiku Over Controversial Minna Meeting
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has escalated political tensions by issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, demanding he publicly disown a statement issued by his aide regarding a recent meeting in Minna. The political showdown centers on allegations of secret negotiations ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Allegations of Political Horse-Trading and Financial Commitments
In a social media post that has sparked widespread political debate, Fayose claimed that Atiku met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde earlier this week to discuss the 2027 presidential race. According to Fayose's allegations, Atiku is reportedly "70 percent certain" of securing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket and is seeking Makinde as his running mate.
The former governor made several explosive claims:
- Makinde allegedly agreed to join the ADC on the condition that he would receive the party's vice-presidential ticket
- The Oyo State governor reportedly pledged ₦10 billion as an initial contribution to the party, to be released in two tranches
- Additional funds would follow when the campaign officially begins
- Atiku's camp supposedly considers Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi unlikely to accept a vice-presidential role
Atiku's Camp Dismisses Claims as "Shameless Concoction"
In a swift and forceful response, Atiku's camp has categorically denied all allegations made by Fayose. Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication Phrank Shaibu described the claims as "shameless concoction" and "reckless and malicious fabrication."
The official statement from Atiku's office declared: "At no time did former Vice President Atiku Abubakar engage in the imaginary horse-trading described in that laughable script. There were no negotiations over vice-presidential tickets. There were no discussions about ₦10 billion contributions. There were no zoning manipulations. There were no delegate-delivery guarantees. And there is certainly no clandestine 'Dubai meeting' on any such agenda."
Fayose Threatens Further Revelations
Undeterred by the strong denial from Atiku's camp, Fayose has doubled down on his allegations and issued a clear ultimatum. In a counter-statement on social media, the former governor expressed amusement at the response and warned of further revelations unless Atiku issues a formal rebuttal within 48 hours.
"Because of my respect for Atiku, I will want to assume that he did not authorize the press statement and I will expect that after seeing it, he will within 48 hours, cause a rebuttal to be issued on it," Fayose stated.
He added a clear warning: "Should Atiku not publicly disown the statement within the next 48 hours, I will have no option but to spill more beans (the facilitators and executioners) of the Minna meeting, particularly what was said about Wike, and by then, I will be doing so without any atom of respect for him. Till then, we keep our gunpowder dry."
Political Implications and 2027 Speculation
The escalating political spat has intensified speculation about potential alliances and negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Minna meeting, reportedly held at a carefully selected venue, has generated significant political interest amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria's opposition political landscape.
Political analysts are closely watching the situation, as Fayose's threat to "spill more beans" could potentially reveal sensitive political calculations and further complicate the already complex pre-election maneuvering. The 48-hour ultimatum sets a clear timeline for either resolution or escalation of this political confrontation.
The controversy highlights the intense political jockeying that has begun years ahead of the 2027 elections, with key political figures positioning themselves and testing potential alliances. The outcome of this ultimatum could have significant implications for opposition unity and strategy moving forward.
