Fayose Alleges Details of Private Tinubu-Makinde Meeting at Presidential Villa
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has made startling allegations regarding what transpired during a closed-door meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to Fayose, who shared his account via his verified social media channels on Thursday, January 22, the meeting involved candid discussions about political loyalty, party affiliations, and the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Tinubu Reportedly Distinguishes Governance from Political Negotiations
Fayose claims that President Tinubu made a clear distinction between official governance matters and private political discussions during the encounter. The former governor alleges that Tinubu informed Governor Makinde that while he was willing to listen to official concerns regarding Oyo State, he was not prepared to engage in private political negotiations that contradicted Makinde's public statements.
The President reportedly cautioned Makinde against publicly accusing him of attempting to establish a one-party state while simultaneously seeking private reconciliation behind closed doors. According to Fayose's account, Tinubu emphasized that he could not say one thing publicly and then say something different in private settings.
2027 Election Dynamics and Party Loyalty Discussed
The former Ekiti governor further alleges that President Tinubu explicitly told Governor Makinde not to expect any form of political support ahead of the 2027 presidential election. As the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu reportedly stressed that he would naturally support his own party in the upcoming electoral contest.
Fayose claims that the President advised Makinde to remain comfortable within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that there was no political arrangement available for him within the APC structure. This statement reportedly underscores the clear party lines being maintained ahead of the next general election.
Wike's Position Reportedly Reaffirmed by President
In another significant revelation from the alleged meeting, Fayose claims that President Tinubu reaffirmed his support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The President reportedly described Wike as a consistent political ally whose loyalty could not be ignored or undermined.
According to the former governor's account, Tinubu told Makinde that any dispute between him and Wike should be considered a personal or party matter that should not involve the Presidency. This clarification reportedly establishes boundaries regarding how inter-party conflicts should be managed.
Questions Raised About Ibadan Explosion Funds
In his comprehensive statement, Fayose also revisited the issue of the N30 billion federal intervention fund released following the January 2023 Ibadan explosion. The former governor urged Governor Makinde to provide a public accounting of how these funds have been utilized, questioning whether the money had been properly returned or fully expended for its intended purposes.
This financial accountability concern adds another dimension to the political dynamics between the federal and state governments, particularly regarding resource management and transparency in governance.
Political Implications and Official Responses
Neither the Presidency nor the Oyo State Government has issued an official response to Fayose's detailed allegations as of the time of this report. The claims remain unverified and are based solely on the former governor's account of what transpired during the private meeting.
However, this development has already sparked renewed political debate across Nigeria regarding:
- Inter-party relations and boundaries
- Political loyalty and alignment strategies
- Preparation dynamics for the 2027 general elections
- The relationship between governance and political negotiations
The allegations come at a crucial time in Nigeria's political calendar, as various political actors begin positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle. The reported meeting and its alleged contents highlight the complex interplay between party politics and governance responsibilities in Nigeria's democratic system.
