…Fayose’s False Claims and the Politics of Misinformation
In the ever-dynamic landscape of Nigerian politics, it is not unusual to witness intense alignments, strategic meetings and high-level consultations among political leaders. What is, however, deeply troubling is the deliberate distortion of such engagements to mislead the public and manufacture controversy where none exists.
Former Governor Ayodele Fayose’s recent claim that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State agreed to join the ADC on the condition of becoming Atiku Abubakar’s running mate, alongside an alleged pledge of ₦10 billion, is not only unfounded but a classic example of reckless political misinformation.
It is public knowledge that there was indeed a meeting on Tuesday in Minna involving Governor Makinde, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). Meetings of this nature among political leaders are neither unusual nor automatically indicative of secret political deals. Across party lines, consultations and engagements are part of democratic culture.
What is curious, however, is that no one outside the room knows what was discussed at that meeting. Even in Fayose’s own write-up, he admitted that “venue and personalities involved in the meeting were carefully chosen so as to ensure confidence and acceptability.” That statement alone underscores the confidential nature of the discussion. How then does he claim knowledge of specific commitments, financial pledges and conditional agreements that allegedly emerged from the meeting?
The assertion that Governor Makinde agreed to defect or to support any arrangement tied to being a running mate remains speculative and unsupported by any verifiable evidence. The additional claim of a ₦10 billion pledge only reinforces the impression that the narrative was crafted more for sensationalism than for truth.
More disturbing is the attempt to drag Governor Makinde’s wife into the political mud. The suggestion that she would “deliver South-South delegates” for any candidate is both baseless and unfair. Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde has consistently maintained a dignified distance from political drama, focusing on her initiatives and social impact programmes rather than partisan manoeuvring. To insert her name into political speculation is not only unnecessary but deeply disrespectful.
This episode reflects a broader issue in our political discourse: the weaponisation of misinformation for personal or factional advantage. Since aligning himself closely with the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Fayose appears to have assumed the role of political attack dog, amplifying narratives that suit his stomach and political camp. It is particularly disappointing given his pedigree.
Peter Ayodele Fayose, a two-term former governor of Ekiti State. He, who occupied the office long before many of today’s political actors, including Wike, rose to prominence. For a man of his experience and stature to descend into the realm of speculative propaganda raises serious questions about judgment and legacy. At 65 years old and with decades of political exposure, one would expect statesmanship, restraint and a commitment to elevating political discourse not the circulation of unverified claims.
Governor Seyi Makinde, for his part, has remained focused on governance in Oyo State. His record in infrastructure, education reform, agribusiness development and workers’ welfare speaks louder than any rumour. He has demonstrated repeatedly that his political decisions are calculated, principled and centred on long-term strategic interests not impulsive arrangements whispered behind closed doors.
In a democracy, disagreements are healthy. Criticism is legitimate. Political rivalry is expected. But deliberate falsehoods are corrosive, they erode public trust, distract from governance and cheapen political engagement.
As Nigeria approaches another critical political cycle, leaders and most especially people that we think they have attained the status of statesman must resist the temptation to score cheap points through misinformation. Nigerians deserves facts, not fiction. They deserve mature discourse, not manufactured drama.
The Minna meeting may have been strategic; it may have been exploratory; it may have been purely consultative and it may have been on governance. Until credible information emerges, speculation remains just that speculation.
Political maturity demands patience, Statesmanship demands restraint, and democracy demands truth.
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