Atiku Dismisses Fayose’s Claim of Secret Political Deals with Makinde

The campaign team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims made by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who alleged secret political negotiations involving Atiku and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The camp described the report as “false, reckless, and entirely fabricated.”

Fayose, in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, claimed that Makinde had agreed to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the condition that he would be named Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 general elections.

The post, titled “Between Atiku and Makinde: Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,” suggested that a carefully orchestrated meeting took place in Minna, Niger State, with select political figures to ensure discretion.

Atiku’s Team Denounces Alleged Negotiations as Fabrication

In response, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stated in Abuja on Thursday, calling the report a “shameless concoction” and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. Shaibu said there was no truth to any claims of political horse-trading, secret meetings, or financial arrangements.

“At no point did former Vice President Atiku Abubakar engage in the imaginary deals described in that statement,” Shaibu said. He specifically refuted allegations regarding a vice-presidential ticket, alleged ₦10 billion contributions, zoning arrangements, delegate guarantees, or any clandestine meetings in Dubai.

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Shaibu described Fayose’s narrative as an attempt to “drag other political actors into a fabricated controversy” and urged Nigerians to dismiss it. “The story is not insider information. It is insider fiction, manufactured to mislead, distract, and provoke,” he added.

According to Shaibu, Atiku’s political engagements are broad-based, principled, and nationally focused, not transactional or secretive as suggested.

Fayose’s Allegation Sparks Debate but Lacks Verification

The post by Fayose quickly drew attention online, sparking debates among political commentators and party supporters. However, independent verification of the alleged Minna meeting or any discussions between Atiku and Makinde has not been confirmed. Analysts note that such claims, especially when circulated on social media, often generate temporary speculation but rarely hold up under scrutiny.

Observers also highlight that Fayose’s reputation for outspoken political commentary often brings him into headlines, regardless of the veracity of his claims. Political experts warn that circulating unverified claims ahead of the 2027 elections could influence public perception and fuel unnecessary tensions within parties.

Shaibu’s statement sought to preempt such fallout by reiterating that Atiku’s political strategy remains transparent and rooted in dialogue with a wide array of stakeholders, rather than in secret negotiations or conditional agreements with individual politicians.