Fayose Says Makinde Has Become ‘Emergency Opposition Mouthpiece’ After Tinubu Snub
Abuja/Ibadan, Nigeria — Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of turning into an “emergency opposition mouthpiece” following what Fayose described as an unfriendly reception from President Bola Tinubu during a recent visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The comments were contained in a statement issued by Fayose on Sunday, reacting to remarks by Governor Makinde at a public event in Ibadan, attended by dignitaries including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Makinde had criticised aspects of the current federal administration, notably describing it as less tolerant of dissent and lamenting that it had become difficult to “speak truth to power.”
Fayose said Makinde’s criticisms were driven by disappointment over what he termed a “cold shoulder” from President Tinubu during his visit to the Presidential Villa last week. According to Fayose, the reception Makinde received signalled the end of political rapprochement between the Oyo governor and the president.
The former governor claimed that Makinde “got the shock of his political life” when he visited Tinubu and failed to secure the level of engagement or support he expected. Fayose suggested that this experience prompted Makinde’s subsequent public rebukes of the Tinubu administration, which he described as a sign that the governor had adopted the role of an opposition mouthpiece in an “emergency” capacity.
Fayose’s critique also touched on political strategy, claiming that President Tinubu had made clear his preference for supporting loyal candidates from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections, particularly in Oyo State. He said this stance further widened the rift between the federal leadership and Makinde, who remains a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Makinde has previously denied intentions to defect from the PDP, reaffirming his loyalty to the party despite pressures and defections by other key figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. After meeting with President Tinubu earlier this month, Makinde said he was “comfortable” remaining in the PDP and emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation for national development.
Political analysts say the tensions reflect broader strains within the PDP and between opposition leaders and the ruling party as Nigeria’s political landscape adjusts in preparation for upcoming elections. Some observers note that public intra-party criticism and personal rivalries could weaken opposition cohesion, while others argue that open debate is part of democratic engagement.
Fayose’s remarks have already drawn reactions on social media and from political commentators, with some supporting his views and others suggesting that internal opposition disagreements risk undermining collective efforts to challenge the APC’s dominance in national politics.
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