Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has publicly rejected allegations that he engaged in discussions about a vice-presidential ticket with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during a recent political meeting, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
The dispute erupted after former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose claimed that a deal had been struck between Atiku and Makinde for the 2027 elections, with Makinde reportedly set to become Atiku’s running mate on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform.
Fayose’s allegation followed a closed-door meeting in Minna, Niger State, where Atiku and Makinde separately visited former military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida.
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In a statement shared on social media, Fayose asserted that Makinde had agreed in principle to join the ADC on the condition that he would be named the vice-presidential candidate, and that he would mobilise support from the South-West and South-South and contribute ₦10 billion to the party’s efforts.
He described the arrangement as part of strategic negotiations ahead of the next general election cycle.
Atiku’s camp responded swiftly through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who dismissed Fayose’s claims as “reckless and malicious fabrication”.
The statement categorically denied any negotiations related to a vice-presidential ticket, financial contributions, zoning agreements, delegate arrangements or secret meetings, describing the narrative as “beer-parlour tales of infamy” crafted for cheap propaganda.
Shaibu insisted that Atiku’s political engagements are principled, national in scope, and not transactional or secretive.
The rebuttal from Atiku’s camp went further to characterise Fayose as a “serial purveyor of political gossip”, urging the public to disregard the published claims and treat them with contempt.
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Atiku himself emphasised that he does not engage in political negotiation through backroom deals, bribery, or clandestine arrangements, underscoring his stated commitment to transparent political processes and national redemption.
Fayose, undeterred by the denial, has since issued a public challenge to Atiku to retract the denial within 48 hours or face further revelations, maintaining his stance that substantive discussions took place.
The unfolding disagreement highlights ongoing tensions within segments of the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with speculation and counterclaims intensifying around the roles of key political actors as they seek to position themselves for viable platforms and alignments
Image Credit: NaijaNews
Source: NaijaNews
