Power Play: ADC Mulls Atiku–Makinde Run, as APC Rallies for Tinubu in Abuja

…Minna Deal Rumours by Fayose, Abuja Strategy Talks Draw 2027 Battle Lines

By Abu Adamu
With Nigeria’s 2027 presidential contest less than two years away, early manoeuvres within both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) signpost the already raging battle for Aso Rock.

Fresh intrigue trailed a high-level meeting in Minna, Niger State, involving former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, in a personally signed statement, made unverified claims about what he described as behind-the-scenes deliberations at the meeting.

According to Fayose, Makinde agreed in principle to join the ADC and serve as Atiku’s running mate in 2027, subject to ratification by Atiku’s inner caucus.

“Venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability,” Fayose stated.

He further alleged that Peter Obi was effectively edged out of the equation on the grounds that he would neither accept to deputise Atiku nor secure northern acceptance as a potential successor.

Fayose claimed Atiku is “70 per cent certain” of clinching the ADC presidential ticket, having ensured that the party’s ticket would not be zoned.

He also alleged without evidence that Makinde pledged an initial N10 billion, to be released in two tranches, to support what he termed the “proper take-off” of the ADC, with additional funding to follow once campaigns commence.

The former Ekiti governor added that Makinde assured he could deliver Southwest delegates during the ADC primaries and leverage his wife’s Rivers State roots to influence votes in the South-South.

For the general election, Fayose alleged, Makinde argued that positioning him on the ticket would split Southwest votes and give the ADC a strategic edge. A follow-up meeting, he claimed, has been scheduled for Dubai within the next two weeks.

While none of the principal actors has publicly confirmed the claims, the report underscores growing efforts within opposition ranks to forge a formidable coalition capable of challenging the APC in 2027.

Meanwhile, the ruling party appears to be wasting no time consolidating its own structures.

In Abuja, leaders of the APC convened a high-level Progressives Strategy Roundtable aimed at reinforcing party unity and laying the groundwork for President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.

The meeting, convened by Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Ismael Ahmed, brought together federal ministers, heads of government agencies and key party stakeholders from across the country.

According to Ahmed, discussions centred on strengthening internal cohesion, reviewing the achievements of the Tinubu administration, and crafting strategic frameworks for the next electoral cycle.

He emphasised the responsibility of political appointees to serve as ambassadors of the administration and maintain strong grassroots connections.

“Now is the moment for us to solidify public trust through meaningful policies and strategic alignment. This is how we will pave the way for continued progress as we move towards the next electoral cycle,” Ahmed said.