Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has responded to remarks attributed to Paul Ibe, a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, over reports concerning discussions linked to a recent political meeting in Minna.
In a statement, personally signed by Fayose, dated February 12, 2026, Fayose expressed dissatisfaction with the aide’s reaction to his earlier comments about the encounter involving Atiku and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. He said he found the response surprising but suggested he believed the former vice president might not have personally authorised it.
Fayose stated that, out of respect for Atiku, he would assume the statement was issued without his approval and expressed expectation that the former vice president would clarify his position publicly.
The former governor also indicated that further disclosures could follow should no clarification be issued, while maintaining that he would await developments before taking additional steps.
Background
Recent media reports confirmed that Atiku and Makinde were in Minna for separate closed-door engagements with former military president Ibrahim Babangida, highlighting ongoing political consultations ahead of future alignments.
The meetings have drawn interest within political circles, particularly as Atiku repositioned within Nigeria’s opposition landscape after joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of coalition efforts targeting the next electoral cycle.
While the details of discussions held in Minna were not publicly disclosed, observers view the engagements as part of broader consultations among political stakeholders across party lines.