Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has released an account of what he described as the “true story” behind Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Peak Newspaper reports.
In a statement dated January 22, 2026, Fayose claimed that Governor Makinde did not meet the President alone but was accompanied by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, suggesting this was due to Makinde’s reluctance to face the President independently.
According to Fayose, President Tinubu reportedly told Makinde that he was open to discussions on official matters concerning Oyo State, but would not entertain political issues, particularly allegations previously made by Makinde that the President was plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Fayose alleged that the President cautioned Makinde against making public accusations while seeking private political engagement, stressing that he could not “say one thing in public and another in private.”
The former governor further claimed that President Tinubu made it clear he was not expecting Makinde’s support ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that the President would, in turn, support his own party. Fayose also alleged that Tinubu reaffirmed his political alliance with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, stating that any issues between Makinde and Wike were personal and should not involve the Presidency.
Fayose argued that these developments explained Makinde’s subsequent public statement that he was comfortable remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting there was no political incentive for him in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In addition, Fayose raised questions over a ₦30 billion intervention fund reportedly received by the Oyo State Government following the January 2023 Ibadan explosion, calling on Governor Makinde to clarify whether the funds had been returned or fully accounted for.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Governor Makinde has officially responded to Fayose’s claims.
