Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has released a scathing account of the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, alleging that the President firmly rebuffed the Governor’s political overtures.
In a statement titled “Untold story of what happened in the Villa during Governor Makinde’s Visit to the President today,” Fayose claimed that Makinde lacked the courage to meet the President alone and was accompanied by the Plateau State Governor.
According to Fayose, President Tinubu set strict boundaries for the discussion, stating he would only entertain official matters concerning Oyo State.
Fayose alleged that the President specifically addressed Makinde’s recent media appearances, where the Governor accused the administration of attempting to create a one-party state.
The President reportedly told Makinde that if his grievances were rooted in his rift with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he should continue to express them publicly rather than seeking private reconciliations.
“He was told pointedly that he can’t come to the closet on political matters to eat his words, while saying another thing to the public,” Fayose’s statement read.
The former Ekiti Governor further claimed that President Tinubu was blunt regarding future political alignments, reportedly informing Makinde that he expects no support from him for the 2027 elections and that the Presidency would remain committed to supporting the APC.
Fayose added that the President reaffirmed his loyalty to Wike, describing him as a consistent ally whose support would not be wished away.
Fayose concluded that Makinde’s subsequent statement to the press in which he declared he was comfortable in the PDP was a direct result of being told there was nothing for him in the APC.
Additionally, Fayose used the statement to demand accountability regarding a N30 billion intervention fund.
He challenged Governor Makinde to clarify if he has returned the funds, which were reportedly provided by the Federal Government following the January 2023 Ibadan explosion.
