In Nigerian politics, drama and controversy are hardly unusual — especially around high‑stakes elections. But the latest political storm involving Ayodele Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, and Seyi Makinde, the current governor of Oyo State, has captured public attention due to explosive claims, alleged financial dealings, and rising tensions within opposition circles. This article examines the N50 billion narrative, the newly claimed N10 billion pledge, the motivations behind these accusations, and how the credibility of those making them affects public perception — all within the broader landscape of Nigerian politics and the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The New Allegations: N50bn Controversy and N10bn Political Pledge
In early February 2026, Ayodele Fayose made headlines once again with claims about Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s political maneuvers. According to Fayose, Makinde allegedly agreed to run as the vice‑presidential candidate to former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 elections, on the condition that he would be offered the ticket and pledged an initial N10 billion to support the party’s operations and campaign launch. Fayose claimed this amount was to be paid in two tranches, with more funds promised when the full campaign begins. Fayose also asserted that Makinde would actively mobilize South‑West delegates and leverage his spouse’s South‑South connections for political advantage — a strategic play in a bid to boost ADC’s nationwide influence.
Prior to this latest claim, Fayose had accused Makinde of receiving N50 billion from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, allegedly as support following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan — an event that caused widespread damage and loss of life. Fayose accused Makinde of failing to disclose the full amount and diverting the funds to bolster his political ambitions, rather than using them entirely for relief work. The specifics of this claim remain disputed.
Makinde’s camp has strongly denied these allegations. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olarenwaju, dismissed Fayose’s N50 billion claim as lacking credibility and challenged him to produce evidence. “He who makes an allegation must provide evidence,” Olarenwaju said, pointing out that Fayose’s reputation had been questioned even within his own family.
Who Is Ayo Fayose? Credibility, Controversies, and Political History
To fully understand why many critics dismiss Fayose’s claims, it’s crucial to look at his past. Fayose, a veteran politician and two‑time governor of Ekiti State, has been involved in high‑profile corruption allegations and legal battles over the years. In 2025, a Federal High Court in Lagos acquitted him of money laundering and fraud charges related to alleged offences during his time in office. The court held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case.
Despite the legal victory, segments of the public continue to view his reputation as controversial. In 2024, the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized Fayose for anti‑party activities, demanding his resignation due to what they described as behaviour contrary to party values.
At the same time, political observers note that Fayose frequently engages in media interviews and public commentary that include bold claims — often with little substantiated evidence — which fuels ongoing debates about his credibility in national discourse. This history impacts how his assertions against Makinde are received by both the public and other political stakeholders.
Governor Seyi Makinde: Performance, Public Image, and Political Positioning
Unlike Fayose, Seyi Makinde, a former engineer and businessman, transitioned into politics with a reputation for technocratic governance. Since becoming governor of Oyo State in 2019, Makinde has emphasized infrastructural development, social programs, and fiscal responsibility, earning both praise and criticism from different quarters.
Supporters often highlight his comparatively transparent leadership style and efforts to revitalize key sectors, such as education and healthcare, in Oyo State — branding him as a thoughtful and people‑centric leader. However, numerous political critics — including Fayose — have sought to paint his tenure as exclusionary and disruptive to party cohesion, accusing him of alienating political allies within the PDP and weakening the party’s structure in the South‑West.
Importantly, Makinde himself has publicly refuted narrative framing his actions as politically self‑serving. Following his meeting with President Tinubu in January 2026, he clarified that the talks were development‑focused and aimed at addressing urgent governance issues in Oyo State rather than political positioning. He reiterated his commitment to the PDP and emphasized the need for bipartisan engagement for national progress.
Political Motivations: Why Fayose Is Targeting Makinde
Understanding the context behind the accusations requires a look at the broader political landscape. Both Fayose and Makinde operate within Nigeria’s complicated opposition dynamics, especially as the 2027 elections approach. Makinde has been seen by many analysts as a rising figure in opposition politics, particularly within the South‑West — a position that could influence national power balances. This rising influence arguably makes him an attractive political ally or a formidable rival, depending on one’s perspective.
Fayose’s recent barrage of claims suggests a political strategy — whether intended to challenge Makinde’s credibility, undermine his influence, or disrupt potential alliances. In Nigerian political culture, such public confrontations are not uncommon; figures often trade accusations when jockeying for positioning ahead of elections. Whether this is driven by genuine concern over governance issues or competitive ambition, the net effect is heightened public scrutiny and debate.
Critics have suggested that Fayose’s actions may be driven by personal political rivalry, especially given Makinde’s growing prominence and perceived strategic role in shaping opposition coalitions. By framing Makinde as opportunistic or financially compromised, Fayose seeks to cast doubt on his leadership integrity among voters and political peers.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The public response to the allegations has been mixed. Supporters of Makinde and many independent observers have expressed skepticism about Fayose’s claims, citing his controversial track record and the absence of definitive evidence presented so far. Social media commentary reveals that many Nigerians view the situation as another example of political mudslinging rather than a substantiated crisis. At the same time, some segments of the electorate remain receptive to the possibility that powerful politicians routinely engage in behind‑the‑scenes maneuvering.
Regardless of one’s political leanings, this controversy highlights deeper challenges within Nigeria’s political system — including trust in public officials, accountability, and the role of financial influence in political alliances. As the 2027 elections draw closer, these themes are likely to remain at the forefront of national discourse.
Conclusion: Drama, Strategy, or Both?
At its core, the clash between Ayodele Fayose and Seyi Makinde is emblematic of larger tensions in Nigerian politics — where personalities, reputation, and strategic alliances shape narratives as much as policy proposals. Whether the N50bn and N10bn allegations prove substantiated remains to be seen, but their political impact is already evident.
Makinde’s defenders argue his governance record stands on its own merit, free from credible financial impropriety allegations — a contrast to Fayose’s contentious past and the ongoing questions surrounding his public credibility. Meanwhile, Fayose’s vocal engagement in this narrative underscores a relentless commitment to shaping political conversations, for better or worse.
As Nigerians watch these developments unfold, the most enduring lesson may be this: allegations without transparent evidence erode public trust and divert attention from substantive policy debates — a trend that could have long‑term implications for the health of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
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