Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has shed light on a recent meeting between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. According to Fayose, Governor Makinde was accompanied by the Plateau State Governor, suggesting a lack of courage to face the President alone.
Fayose revealed that during the meeting, President Tinubu indicated his willingness to discuss official matters related to Oyo State with Governor Makinde. However, if the discussion was to involve politics or the governor’s previous accusations that the President aimed to establish a one-party system, the President advised Makinde to air his views publicly rather than in private.
The President reportedly made it clear that he did not expect support from Governor Makinde in the 2027 elections and that he would, in turn, support his own party. Additionally, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s support, stating that any issues between Wike and Makinde were a matter for the two of them to resolve, without involving the President.
Following the meeting, Governor Makinde stated that he was comfortable remaining in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), likely due to the limited opportunities for him in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Fayose also raised questions about the status of the N30 billion intervention fund received by the Oyo State government for the January 2023 Ibadan explosion, wondering if the funds had been returned.
The meeting and its discussions highlight the complexities of political relationships and alliances within Nigeria’s political landscape. As the country approaches future elections, interactions between key political figures will likely continue to garner attention and scrutiny. The dynamics between Governor Makinde, President Tinubu, and other prominent politicians will be closely watched, with potential implications for the political landscape of Nigeria.
