Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has firmly dismissed rumors of a rift with President Bola Tinubu, describing their relationship as cordial and focused on governance issues that transcend partisan politics. However, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has countered with allegations of a frosty encounter during Makinde’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa, sparking fresh political intrigue.
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Makinde, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), addressed journalists after meeting Tinubu on Thursday, emphasizing that the discussions centered on national and subnational governance matters. “The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of the APC, and we’re talking about governance here. So I came to discuss with the President on some governance issues, basically,” Makinde stated.
He rejected suggestions that political differences had strained their ties, noting, “There’s nothing that I’ve said in the past that says we’re not enjoying a harmonious relationship. Politics is politics. We belong to different political parties, but Nigeria is a project that all Nigerians must be concerned about.”
The governor highlighted shared priorities like insecurity, poverty alleviation, and citizen welfare, which he said require collaboration across party lines. “These are things that have no colouration of a party. As leaders, whether President or governor, those are things we have to work together on, consult with one another, and ensure that we can make life better for our people,” he added.
Makinde also quashed speculation about defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), affirming his commitment to the PDP. “No. I’m comfortable in the PDP,” he said, while acknowledging the need for bipartisan efforts on national challenges. “There are times when you need everybody on board to take the best step forward in the interest of our nation.”
In stark contrast, Fayose released a statement titled “Untold story of what happened in the Villa during Governor Makinde’s visit to the President today,” claiming the meeting was far from amicable. According to Fayose, Makinde lacked the “courage” to meet Tinubu alone and enlisted Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for support.
Fayose alleged that Tinubu limited the discussion to official Oyo State matters, refusing to engage on political topics. “The President told him that if it was about official matters regarding Oyo State, he will listen to him,” the statement read. “But if it had to do with politics and any claim that it was Wike that angered him to go on TV to accuse him of plotting to turn the country into a one-party state, it is better to, as usual, go on TV to say all he had to say.”
The former governor further claimed Tinubu cautioned Makinde against inconsistency in public and private statements: “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.”
On the 2027 elections, Fayose said Tinubu made it clear he was not relying on Makinde’s support and would back his own party. Additionally, Tinubu reportedly reaffirmed his alliance with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, dismissing Makinde’s issues with Wike as personal. “Wike is someone whose support and consistency the President can’t deny or wish away. If Makinde has issues with Wike, that is between the two of them,” Fayose quoted.
Fayose ended his statement by questioning the handling of federal funds allocated to Oyo State after the January 2023 Ibadan explosion, asking, “Shouldn’t Makinde tell the people of Oyo State if he has returned the N30bn he admitted to have received from the Federal Government as intervention fund?”
The conflicting accounts have fueled online debates, highlighting tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 elections approach. Neither the Presidency nor Makinde’s office has responded to Fayose’s claims as of press time, leaving the public to speculate on the true nature of the Villa meeting.
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