Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has stirred controversy after alleging that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde appeared reluctant to meet the President alone during a visit to the Presidential Villa, enlisting the Plateau State Governor for political cover.
In a statement titled “Untold Story of What Happened in the Villa,” Fayose claimed the encounter revolved around the ongoing rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) involving Makinde and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to Fayose, the President signaled readiness to discuss state matters but refused to entertain political grievances, noting that Makinde had previously taken such issues to television audiences and could do so again if he wished. Fayose further asserted that the President told Makinde not to expect support for the 2027 election cycle and indicated he would stand by his own party.
The former governor also claimed the President praised Wike’s loyalty and consistency, telling Makinde to resolve any disputes directly with the FCT Minister without involving the Villa.
Makinde, speaking briefly to journalists after the meeting, affirmed his position within the PDP, fueling speculation about 2027 alignments and the future of the opposition party’s power blocs.
Fayose went further, questioning Makinde over the N30 billion Federal Government intervention for the January 2023 Ibadan explosion — a matter Makinde’s camp has repeatedly dismissed as politicised.
Neither Makinde nor the Presidency has officially responded to Fayose’s claims, leaving competing narratives to dominate political discussions as parties enter a pre-2027 realignment phase.