The Oyo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress has raised the alarm over an alleged political contract between Governor Seyi Makinde and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, which would make the governor spend the financial resources of the state in preparation for the 2027 general elections, stating that the plans would be resisted at all costs.
The media space was awash with the reports of a closed door meeting between Atiku and Makinde at the Minna residence of the former military dictator, General Ibrahim Babangida, on Tuesday while feelers had it that resolutions at the said meeting revolved around a joint Atiku/Makinde presidential ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027.
The party in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, regretted that both Atiku and Makinde could allow selfishness and desperation to override their conscience, after masterminding the death of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2022 and 2023.
“Atiku Abubakar, on his part, is desperate to be on the ballot again in 2027 to enable him set the record of a man who contested presidential elections for the highest record of time in the whole world and possibly keep himself busy at an advanced age. Besides, the former vice president has a penchant for making some southern governors sponsor his ill-conceived presidential ambition with their state funds just like he did in 2023.
Another reality is that Atiku has found a good ground to punish Makinde for his sins of 2019 and 2023 but unfortunately, the naivety in the Oyo governor would not allow him to read between the lines.
The details of the betrayal game which Engr. Makinde played with his new godfather in the last two general elections are known to most pundits and the fact that the victim (Atiku) would never let go is crystal clear. So, the latest political romance involving the duo would end up a disaster with Makinde being at the risk of the worse loser or victim.
And with the available records of billions of naira which Gov. Makinde has taken from the treasury of the Oyo state government and wasted on financing the hitherto comatose PDP, the Pacesetter state cannot afford to open its Vault to somebody like Atiku again who is a veteran in economic and public funds mismanagement.
We say no to the payment of a N10billion down payment by Gov. Makinde to make him Atiku’s running mate on the platform of the ADC even as it is evident that he wants to remain in power after the expiration of his two-term tenure as a governor. He shall be vehemently resisted this time.” Sadare lamented.
