Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Nigeria’s opposition ranks as former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has given former Vice President Atiku Abubakar a 48-hour ultimatum to publicly disown a statement attributed to one of his media aides, warning that he will publish more details surrounding a recent meeting in Minna if his demand is not met. The dramatic exchange underscores mounting tensions within opposition circles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute began after Fayose responded sharply to a media statement issued by Paul Ibe, identified as one of Atiku’s media aides, regarding a closed-door engagement in Minna, Niger State involving Atiku and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Fayose described the rebuttal as “amusing” and suggested that it may not have been authorised by Atiku himself. In a post on the social platform X, Fayose said he would expect a formal disavowal from Atiku within 48 hours, or he would “spill more beans” about what transpired at the Minna meeting — including alleged remarks concerning Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minna meeting — held at the residence of former military Head of State General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida — has attracted national attention because it brought together key political figures at a time when early alliances and strategic positioning are underway for the next presidential cycle. While official details of the discussions have not been disclosed, speculation has ranged widely, with critics suggesting political negotiations could have taken place.
Fayose had previously claimed that the meeting was about negotiations over the 2027 presidential ticket, including suggestions that Governor Makinde may be being considered as Atiku’s running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He hinted that discussions included plans for structural and financial commitments linked to broader political arrangements. Although these assertions have not been independently verified, they played a central role in the controversy ignited by Fayose’s statement.
Atiku’s camp moved swiftly to rebut the allegations. The former vice president, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, dismissed Fayose’s account as “a shameless concoction” and “beer-parlour tales of infamy,” asserting that no such political bargaining or ticket negotiation occurred during the Minna engagement. The statement categorically denied claims of any vice-presidential discussions, financial contributions, or delegate arrangements and characterised Fayose’s narrative as “reckless and malicious fabrication.”
The immediate trigger for Fayose’s latest retort was a follow-up response from Paul Ibe, who clarified that the earlier rebuttal attributed to Atiku’s camp was not authored by him but by Phrank Shaibu. Ibe’s public correction prompted Fayose’s demand for a direct repudiation from Atiku, signalling that the former governor is poised to escalate the matter if his deadline is ignored.
By issuing the 48-hour ultimatum, Fayose framed his challenge as one borne of respect for Atiku, suggesting that he would assume the former vice president had not endorsed the media rebuttal unless he expressly disowned it. However, he warned that failing to do so would leave him no option but to disclose more about those involved in the Minna meeting and the substance of their exchanges.
Political observers see this feud as symptomatic of broader pressures within Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Atiku has been a central figure in coalition talks following the 2023 general elections, having defected to the ADC in a bid to maintain a viable platform for his continued presidential ambitions. Governor Makinde, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure and former member of the influential “G-5” governors bloc, remains a key political actor whose positioning could influence strategic realignments ahead of 2027.
The mention of Nyesom Wike — a former PDP powerbroker now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory — by Fayose in his warning has added further fuel to the political fire. Wike’s own political relationships have undergone significant strain and recalibration in recent years, making him a figure of interest in narratives about intra-party tensions and broader opposition dynamics.
Atiku’s firm rejection of the claims has been reiterated by his aides, who stressed that the former vice president’s political engagements are broad-based and principled, not transactional or covert as alleged. They urged the public to dismiss Fayose’s claims as fabricated and lacking factual basis.
The timing of the dispute comes amid heightened political maneuvering nationwide. Nigeria’s opposition parties continue to grapple with internal divisions, realignments, and coalition negotiations as they prepare for a pivotal election cycle that could reshape the country’s political future. Engagements among prominent figures like Atiku and Makinde are closely scrutinised, and public narratives about such meetings can have significant implications for party cohesion and public perception.
As of the latest developments, Atiku has not publicly disowned the media statement by his aide, and Fayose’s 48-hour deadline continues to run. Whether further disclosures will follow remains uncertain, but the episode underscores how political communication battles and personal rivalries are playing out alongside substantive electoral strategy discussions.
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