Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday paid a visit to former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State capital.
Atiku arrived Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, with some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including the Assistant National Youth Leader, North Central, Hassana Shuibu Dada. He then drove straight to Babangida’s residence.
In a similar vein, Governor Makinde also arrived at Babangida’s residence a few minutes after Atiku’s arrival.
Details of the closed-door meeting between the leaders are still sketchy, but may not be unconnected to the 2027 general election.
After the meeting, Akitu departed Babangida’s residence, leaving Governor Makinde behind.
Speaking to newsmen shortly, Atiku urged the opposition political parties in the country to come together and pursue the issue of electronic and manual transfer of election results with all seriousness, saying that they should not allow it rest.
He had noted that Nigerians were disappointed with the Senate leadership over the recent passage of the electoral law.
“Nigerians were expecting a real-time electronic transfer at various levels of elections, but what we got is a mixture of electronic and manual transmission of elections, which, of course, will cause more confusion or chaos,” he lamented.
When asked whether ADC is adopting a zoning system, Atiku explained that there is no zoning in the ADC constitution, noting that only PDP has zoning in its constitution.
“The APC is generally a party of forgers. What are Nigerians to expect? They forged everything, including certificates and even the age limit. That’s the hallmark of the APC,” Atiku noted.
He added that contesting the 2027 elections is not his priority, saying that, as a member of the ADC, their concern is to ensure that the party’s structures are formally rooted at the ward, local, and national levels. He stressed that the party is currently busy mobilising people and registering them simultaneously.
On his reason for visiting Babangida, he said, “I always come to the elder statesman IBB to pay my respects. This is not the first time I have visited. My visit is private.”
Governor Makinde, however, refused to attend to newsmen.
Meanwhile, Ayodele Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti State, has opened up on the deliberations that took place at a meeting between former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Minna, Niger State.
Fayose disclosed that Makinde consented to partner with Atiku as his vice-presidential candidate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
He also alleged that Peter Obi was effectively sidelined during the conversation because of concerns that he would neither agree to deputise Atiku nor gain acceptance in the North as a potential successor.
In a statement he personally signed, Fayose said, “It is no longer news that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, went to Minna, Niger State, yesterday to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“Here is what happened behind the curtains. Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.
“Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku’s running mate and he won’t also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku’s successor.
“Also, Atiku is 70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.
“Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket, as Atiku’s running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification.
“Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10bn (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called ‘proper take-off of the ADC,’ and make additional funds available when campaign begins.
“The Governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and use the influence of his wife, who is from Rivers State, to secure delegate votes in the South-South.
“He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage. Follow up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.”
