Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has alleged that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde once assured him that he would not allow himself to be used against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fayose made the claim while speaking on a television programme, where he reflected on the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the activities of the G-5 governors and political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Fayose, Makinde had contacted him after a campaign flyer promoting the Oyo governor as a possible presidential candidate circulated publicly.
Fayose said Makinde denied being behind the campaign and told him that if he ever decided to seek the presidency, he would personally announce his intention.
He further alleged that Makinde told him he would not want to be the Yoruba politician used against another Yoruba leader, referring to Tinubu.
Fayose also criticised Makinde’s role in the G-5 governors’ activities ahead of the 2023 presidential election, arguing that political ambitions contributed to the disagreements that weakened the PDP.
The former Ekiti governor said the five governors initially worked together within the PDP but later developed differences that affected the party’s performance during the 2023 elections.
He also accused Makinde of contributing to the internal crisis within the PDP and alleged that the Oyo governor took control of the party structure in Ekiti State.
Fayose further discussed the recently concluded Osun governorship election, explaining that he stayed in Osogbo and visited several communities to understand voters’ sentiments before the poll.
He described the election as closely contested and said its outcome could not have been confidently predicted before voting took place.
Fayose congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory but urged him to be magnanimous and pursue reconciliation with political opponents and other stakeholders.
He also condemned the violence and tension that reportedly accompanied parts of the electoral process, calling on political actors to place the interests of the people above political rivalry.
The former governor’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political parties repositioning themselves and exploring new alliances.
Fayose’s allegations about Makinde’s reported assurance are likely to generate further debate as political leaders continue to clarify their positions and alignments ahead of the next presidential contest.
