Fayose Accuses Makinde of Withholding Disclosure Over Alleged ₦50bn Tinubu Support, Sparks Fresh Political Storm

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has once again stirred controversy within Nigeria’s political space, alleging that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received a whopping ₦50 billion from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but failed to disclose it to the public. The claim, made during a televised interview on TVC and reinforced by a circulating video clip, has ignited heated debates about transparency, political loyalty, and the growing fault lines within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Fayose, the ₦50 billion was allegedly provided by President Tinubu to support Oyo State in managing the aftermath of the devastating Ibadan explosion. Fayose faulted Makinde for what he described as selective storytelling in his public comments about interactions with the president. He argued that while Makinde was quick to tell Nigerians about aspects of his conversation with Tinubu that painted him as politically independent, he conveniently left out the financial support allegedly extended to his state.

Fayose suggested that this omission was deliberate and misleading. In his words, Makinde told Nigerians only that the president asked him to help organise the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State—an offer he reportedly declined—but failed to mention the alleged ₦50 billion intervention. Fayose implied that such silence distorts the full picture of the relationship between the two leaders and raises questions about sincerity and accountability.

More controversially, Fayose claimed that the ₦50 billion did not pass through the official coffers of the Oyo State Government. He insinuated that the funds were released following a direct interface between Makinde and the president, rather than through formal institutional channels. This assertion has fueled public speculation and outrage, with many Nigerians questioning how such a large sum could be disbursed without clear documentation or public accountability.

The allegation has reopened broader concerns about disaster intervention funds in Nigeria. Critics argue that if the money truly came from federal resources, it should have followed established procedures involving agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Others have questioned whether the funds were personal largesse from the president or public money drawn from the national treasury—two scenarios with vastly different legal and ethical implications.

Fayose also accused Makinde of political ingratitude, suggesting that it was hypocritical for the Oyo governor to publicly distance himself from President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections after allegedly benefitting from such substantial support. He linked this to Makinde’s recent declaration that he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid, framing it as a betrayal rather than a principled political stance.

Beyond the financial allegations, Fayose used the opportunity to launch a broader attack on Makinde’s political role within the PDP. He accused the Oyo governor of weakening the party’s structure in the South-West, echoing sentiments held by some party stakeholders who believe Makinde’s independent posture and perceived closeness to the ruling APC have undermined opposition unity in the region.

Reactions to Fayose’s claims have been sharply divided. Supporters of Makinde have dismissed the allegations as baseless, mischievous, and politically motivated, describing Fayose as a serial provocateur seeking relevance. They argue that Fayose provided no documentary evidence to back his claims and that such serious accusations should not be made lightly.

On the other hand, critics of Makinde say the allegations raise legitimate questions that deserve clear answers. They point to the limited public information surrounding the handling of the Ibadan explosion aftermath, including compensation to victims and rebuilding efforts, as reasons for concern. Some argue that even if the money was legally received, the governor owed Nigerians full disclosure.

As the controversy continues to trend, it underscores deeper issues in Nigerian politics: weak transparency norms, blurred lines between personal influence and public funds, and the intense power struggles ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether Fayose’s claims will be substantiated or dismissed, they have once again exposed the fragile trust between leaders and citizens—and the high political stakes shaping Nigeria’s future.