Abuja, Nigeria — Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of repositioning himself as what he described as an “emergency opposition mouthpiece” following an alleged cold reception from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a recent visit to the Presidential Villa.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fayose alleged that Makinde’s recent critical remarks against President Tinubu, delivered at the birthday celebration of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, were driven by frustration after an unsuccessful attempt to reconcile with the President.
Fayose claimed that Makinde’s comments confirmed that his visit to the Villa did not yield the outcome he expected.
“Makinde’s derogatory remarks against President Tinubu further confirmed that he was given a cold shoulder during his last visit to the Villa,” Fayose said.
According to him, the Oyo governor had initially sought to manage the fallout from his earlier public comments against the President but was reportedly disappointed by the reception he received.
“In an attempt at damage control, Makinde visited Asiwaju last week, only to meet the shock of his political life,” Fayose stated.
The former Ekiti governor further alleged that the visit effectively ended any possibility of reconciliation between Makinde and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It has now become obvious that Makinde realized the end of the road has come regarding any reconciliation with the President,” he added.
Fayose also claimed that President Tinubu had made his political stance on Oyo State clear, insisting that the President would support candidates of his party in the next election cycle.
“As far as Oyo State is concerned, the President has made it clear that he will support APC candidates in 2027,” Fayose alleged.
He argued that Makinde’s subsequent remarks, in which he reportedly described President Tinubu as a dictator while praising the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, were a direct response to the alleged snub.
“If Makinde had received the soft landing he expected, he would not have openly condemned President Tinubu’s government,” Fayose said.
Fayose also questioned Makinde’s political future within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that the governor may not secure the party’s platform ahead of 2027.
“The APC in Oyo State should prepare to face Makinde’s candidate, likely to be fielded under the ADC, knowing fully well that the PDP may no longer be open to him,” Fayose concluded.
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