Fayose: Makinde agreed to become Atiku’s running mate after meeting with Babangida

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has disclosed details of a closed-door meeting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had with ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, the capital of Niger State.

Atiku and Makinde had a meeting with Babangida in Minna on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Fayose, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the meeting was carefully arranged and attended by selected individuals to ensure what he described as “confidence and acceptability” among the key political actors involved.

According to Fayose, the talks centred on a possible political alliance ahead of the 2027 general election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The former governor further stated that Makinde, during the meeting, expressed willingness to join the ADC on the condition that he would emerge as Atiku’s running mate, a proposal which, Fayose said, is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further deliberation and ratification.

He also alleged that Makinde pledged an initial financial contribution of N10 billion to support what he described as the proper take-off of the ADC, with the funds to be released in two tranches, and additional funding to be provided when campaign activities begin.

He added that Makinde assured that his participation in the ticket would help split votes in the South-West during the 2027 election and give the ADC a strategic advantage.

Fayose said: “Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku’s running mate and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor.

Atiku, Makinde hold closed-door talks with Babangida in Minna

“Also, Atiku is 70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.

“Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket, as Atiku’s running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification.

“Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10 billion (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called ‘proper take-off of the ADC,’ and make additional funds available when campaign begins.

“The Governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and use the influence of wife, who is from Rivers State to secure delegate votes in the South-South.

“He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage.

“Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.”

The Star