Fresh political reactions trail Governor Seyi Makinde’s visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose shares his version of events surrounding the closed-door meeting.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Fayose, in a public statement, claims the meeting goes beyond routine courtesy, describing it as politically sensitive. According to him, President Tinubu tells Governor Makinde that he is open to discussions strictly on official matters concerning Oyo State but draws a clear line on partisan politics and public accusations.
Fayose alleges that the President reminds Makinde of previous comments made on national television, where the Oyo governor accuses the federal government of moves toward a one-party state. He claims the President insists that political concerns raised publicly should also be addressed publicly, rather than privately at the Villa.
The former Ekiti governor further claims that President Tinubu makes it clear he does not expect political support from Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections and that, as a party leader, he will continue to support his own political party.
Mediaplusng.com also reports that Fayose alleges the President openly acknowledges the political loyalty and consistency of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stressing that personal disagreements between Makinde and Wike should not be brought before him.
According to Fayose’s account, the President reportedly distances himself from internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintaining that such issues remain the responsibility of party members and leaders.
Following the meeting, Governor Makinde tells journalists that he remains comfortable in the PDP, a comment Fayose interprets as confirmation that no political realignment takes place during the visit.
The statement further raises questions about federal intervention funds reportedly released to Oyo State following the January 2023 Ibadan explosion. Fayose calls on Governor Makinde to clarify the status of the funds and how they are managed, citing public interest and accountability.
Political observers note that while Fayose’s claims generate debate, neither the Presidency nor Governor Makinde issues an official statement detailing the private discussions held during the Villa visit.
Analysts say such high-level meetings often attract speculation, especially amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. They add that clarity from all parties involved will help calm political tensions and prevent misinformation.
As Nigeria’s political space continues to evolve, stakeholders urge leaders to focus on governance, transparency, and public communication, while managing political disagreements through established democratic channels.
The Villa meeting underscores the growing intensity of political positioning ahead of future elections, with party loyalty, national unity, and accountability remaining key issues in public discourse.
