Makinde Turning to Opposition Spokesperson After Tinubu Rebuff – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has launched a fresh verbal attack on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, alleging that Makinde’s recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is driven by personal political disappointment rather than genuine opposition principles. Fayose claimed that Makinde has suddenly assumed the role of an “emergency opposition spokesperson” after allegedly being rebuffed by President Tinubu during a recent visit to the Presidential Villa.

In a strongly worded statement dated January 25, 2026, Fayose argued that Makinde’s public remarks against Tinubu, particularly comments made during former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s birthday event, were a direct fallout of a failed attempt at political reconciliation. According to Fayose, Makinde had sought a soft landing with the President following earlier political tensions but was allegedly given what he described as a “cold shoulder.”

Fayose asserted that Makinde’s critical comments, including referring to Tinubu as a “dictator” while praising the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, would not have been made if the Oyo governor had received a favourable response from the President. He suggested that Makinde’s posture confirms that reconciliation between both men is no longer possible, especially with Tinubu’s alleged insistence on backing only All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Fayose, the President’s stance signals the end of any political accommodation for Makinde at the federal level. He further claimed that this reality has forced the Oyo governor to position himself more aggressively against the Tinubu administration, not out of ideological conviction, but as a reaction to political exclusion. Fayose maintained that Makinde’s new tone has, in his view, validated earlier claims that the governor’s political moves are driven largely by personal ambition.

Taking the argument further, Fayose urged the APC in Oyo State to prepare for a fierce contest in 2027, alleging that Makinde plans to field a candidate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), given what he described as Makinde’s inability to fully rely on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Fayose’s comments add another layer to ongoing speculation about realignments and defections ahead of the next election cycle.

However, Fayose’s remarks have sparked strong reactions, particularly among political observers and online commentators, many of whom questioned the logic of his claims. Critics pointed out that Makinde is already a senior figure in the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, and therefore has no need to “turn” into an opposition spokesperson, as Fayose suggested. Others argued that Fayose’s comments reflect personal animosity rather than objective political analysis, noting the long-standing feud between the two politicians dating back to their time as PDP governors in the South-West.

Some commentators accused Fayose of acting as an unofficial spokesperson for the Tinubu-led APC, questioning why a former PDP governor who claims to be outside active politics appears deeply invested in attacking Makinde. Others dismissed the entire controversy as evidence of elite political infighting disconnected from the everyday struggles of Nigerians.

There were also broader concerns raised about the shrinking political space for opposition figures, particularly from the South. Some voices argued that politicians such as Makinde, Peter Obi and others are increasingly portrayed as betrayers simply for challenging Tinubu’s political dominance, raising questions about fairness, internal democracy and the future of competitive politics ahead of 2027.

While Fayose’s statement has intensified the public exchange, neither Governor Makinde nor the Presidency has officially responded to the allegations. What is clear, however, is that the political temperature is rising as alignments harden and ambitions crystallise well ahead of the next general elections.

As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, disputes like this underscore the deep fractures within and between political parties, as well as the personal rivalries shaping national discourse. Whether Makinde’s criticisms are rooted in principle or personal grievance remains a matter of interpretation, but the episode highlights the increasingly combative nature of Nigeria’s pre-election political landscape.