By Kingston Magare 12.2.2026
Former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has been labeled a “gossiper” by the Atiku Abukakar political organisation.
The former Nigerian Vice President team was reacting to rumours spread by Fayose, that Atiku was considering Oyo State governor Seye Makinde as his running mate for the 2027 elections.
They declared that there were no negotiations over vice-presidential tickets during Atiku’s recent visit to the residence of former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida.
“Our attention has been drawn to a reckless and malicious fabrication titled “Between Atiku and Makinde, Untold Story of What Happened in Minna Yesterday,” attributed to one Peter Ayodele Fayose.
“Let it be stated clearly: the entire publication is a shameless concoction — a tissue of lies stitched together by a serial purveyor of political gossip whose relevance survives only on controversy, distortion, and cheap propaganda,” said Phrank Shaibu a public communication adviser to Atiku.
“There were no negotiations over vice-presidential tickets. There were no discussions about ₦10 billion contributions. There were no zoning manipulations. There were no delegate-delivery guarantees. And there is certainly no clandestine “Dubai meeting” on any such agenda.
“The attempt to drag other political actors into this fabricated beer parlour tale does not elevate its credibility; it merely exposes the desperation behind it.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s political engagements are broad-based, principled, and national in scope — not the narrow, transactional theatrics invented in that publication.
“It is unfortunate that certain individuals, long deprived of credibility and political gravitas, now attempt to manufacture relevance by inventing tales around serious national figures. Falsehood may trend for a moment, but it collapses under the weight of truth.
“Atiku Abubakar does not transact politics in secrecy, bribery, or transactional desperation as mischievously and irresponsibly portrayed. He remains focused on principled engagement and national redemption — not backroom theatrics designed by attention-seekers.”
The statement advised the public to treat the publication with the contempt it deserves.
Fayose...talking