The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has said Governor Seyi Makinde is open to consultations with various political actors and parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
This clarification came in response to a recent claim by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who alleged that Makinde had agreed to serve as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a meeting in Minna, Niger State.
Fayose had alleged that the closed-door meeting between Atiku, Makinde and former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, was part of a power deal excluding Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, told Leadership newspaper on Wednesday that Makinde is not restricted from holding consultations, particularly given the evolving political landscape.
“This is politics, it is about interest. With the situation, our principal is open to consultation. It is normal in any political dispensation,” Ogungbenro said.
He, however, described Fayose’s remarks as speculative and unnecessary, urging him to stop dragging Makinde’s name into every political narrative.
“Fayose has been saying everything about our principal. He should leave our principal alone,” he said.
Attempts to get a direct reaction from Governor Makinde were unsuccessful, as a media aide who spoke on condition of anonymity said he was not authorised to comment on the governor’s political moves.
Meanwhile, Ogungbenro insisted that wherever the governor’s political path leads, the PDP in Oyo State and the people would stand with him.
“I want to say that wherever our principal is going, the state PDP and, in fact, the people of the state will follow him,” he declared.
