‘He Lacked Courage’: Fayose Exposes ‘Untold Story’ of Makinde’s Meeting with Tinubu
ABUJA — Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has publicly ridiculed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde following his high-profile visit to the Presidential Villa on Thursday, claiming the governor “lacked the courage” to face President Bola Tinubu alone and was bluntly rebuffed on political matters.
Governor Makinde visited the State House on January 22, 2026, for a closed-door meeting with the President—his first since publicly declaring in December that he would not support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
While Makinde told State House correspondents that the meeting was “harmonious” and focused on governance, Fayose released a scathing statement hours later, offering what he termed the “true story” of the encounter.
“He Needed Backup”
In a statement personally signed by him, Fayose alleged that the tension was so thick that Makinde had to enlist the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, to accompany him into the President’s office.
“First, Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated that he now lacked enough courage to face the President alone; he had to enlist the support of the Plateau State Governor,” Fayose stated.
The former Ekiti governor claimed that President Tinubu did not mince words, drawing a strict line between official state duties and political maneuvering.
“Don’t Eat Your Words in My Closet”
According to Fayose’s account, President Tinubu confronted Makinde about his recent media outbursts, specifically the governor’s televised claim that the President was plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“The President told him pointedly that he can’t come to the closet on political matters to eat his words while saying something different to the public,” Fayose revealed.
He further alleged that Tinubu explicitly told Makinde that if he wanted to discuss politics—or his grievances with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—he should go back to the television stations, as the President was not interested in “backdoor” deals regarding 2027.
“The President made it clear to Makinde that he was not expecting any support from him regarding 2027, and that he [Tinubu] will support his own party,” the statement added.
The Wike Factor
Fayose also claimed the President defended Nyesom Wike during the meeting, reportedly telling Makinde that Wike is “someone whose support and consistency he cannot deny or wish away.”
This revelation strikes at the heart of the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Makinde and Wike—formerly allies in the G-5 group—have become bitter political rivals.
Makinde’s Stance
Despite Fayose’s explosive claims, Governor Makinde maintained a calm demeanor after the meeting. Speaking to journalists at the Villa, he dismissed rumors of a defection to the ruling APC.
“I am comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde insisted. “The President is the President of Nigeria, not just the APC. I came here to discuss governance issues that affect the people of Oyo State. Our relationship remains cordial.”
Fayose, however, ended his statement with a challenge, daring Makinde to explain the whereabouts of the N30 billion to N50 billion allegedly received from the Federal Government for the Bodija explosion victims—funds Fayose claims were diverted.