Northern Pulse

By Philip Yatai

It is no longer news that the Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State went to Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday to hold a meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Here is what happened behind the curtains, former governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose revealed in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

Venue and personalities involved in the meeting was carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.

Consideration was given to the fact that Peter Obi will not accept to be Atiku's running mate and he won't also be acceptable to the North, as Atiku's successor.

Also, Atiku is 70% certain of getting the ADC ticket, having ensured the non-zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.

Makinde agreed to join ADC on the condition that he will be handed the party’s Vice Presidential ticket, as Atiku's running mate. This is expected to be presented to Atiku’s inner caucus for further discussions and ratification.

Makinde offered to make available a sum of N10bn (to be released in two tranches), as his initial contribution towards what he called "proper take-off of the ADC," and make additional funds available when campaign begins.

The Governor also assured that for the ADC primary, he will deliver the Southwest delegates and use the influence of wife, who is from Rivers State to secure delegate votes in the South-South.

He posited that for the general election, using him to divide the Southwest votes will give the ADC the needed advantage.

A follow- up meeting has been fixed for Dubai, UAE within the next two weeks.