Former Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has agreed to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Fayose claimed the move is part of a deal that would position Makinde as the vice-presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He made the allegation in a statement titled “Between Atiku and Makinde: Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday.”

According to Fayose, the meeting between Atiku and Makinde took place in Minna, Niger State, and was carefully orchestrated to ensure trust and political acceptance. He explained that the discussion focused on selecting a running mate who could strengthen Atiku’s chances in 2027, adding that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was considered unsuitable for the role.

“Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept being Atiku’s running mate and he would also not be acceptable to the North as Atiku’s successor,” Fayose stated.

Fayose further alleged that Atiku is already close to securing the ADC presidential ticket, following the party’s decision not to zone its ticket to any particular region.

He added that Makinde agreed to defect to the ADC on the condition that he would be handed the party’s vice-presidential ticket as Atiku’s running mate. The proposal, according to Fayose, would still be submitted to Atiku’s inner circle for final approval.

Fayose also claimed that Makinde pledged financial support for the party’s operations, promising to release N10 billion in two phases to help the ADC commence campaign activities, with additional funds to follow when full-scale campaigns begin.

He alleged that Makinde also planned to mobilise delegates from the South-West during the party’s primary election and intended to leverage his wife’s South-South origins to attract support from that region.

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

Fayose revealed that another strategic meeting is scheduled to take place in Dubai within two weeks.

Meanwhile, Atiku and Makinde were reportedly also in Minna on Tuesday for a meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.). After the visit, Atiku told journalists that the trip was aimed at strengthening ADC structures in Niger State and denied that the meeting was related to his 2027 presidential ambitions.