Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has raised the alarm over the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the party may become a political “carcass.”
Fayose issued the warning during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Monday night. Despite the party’s internal troubles, he ruled out any plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Let me be very clear. Ayodele Fayose will not move from PDP to any other political party, not even the APC,” he said.
Fayose, who turns 65 this year, described defection as a personal choice. He acknowledged that some members left either due to President Tinubu’s performance or the PDP’s instability.
“Truthfully, the PDP is in serious trouble. If something drastic is not done, the party will become a carcass. That is the gospel truth,” he said.
Cracks Deepen Within PDP Leadership
The PDP has faced internal conflict since its 2022 presidential primaries, which produced Atiku Abubakar as its candidate. Some members, including then-Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike, refused to back Atiku. He eventually lost the 2023 election to President Tinubu.
Tensions increased after the PDP’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, refused to resign following his loss in the Imo governorship election. The party’s South-East chapter nominated Ude-Okoye as his replacement. However, Wike and his allies backed Anyanwu.
Fayose, widely seen as a Wike ally, admitted he no longer plays a frontline role in national politics. He said his days as a sitting governor were marked by strong opposition leadership.
“I’m no longer in the frontline. But I made significant contributions during my time in office. Today, I only play a supportive role. Still, I must speak the truth, PDP needs urgent help,” he noted.
He emphasized his loyalty to the party.
“Yes, I am a party man. The day I leave PDP is the day I quit partisan politics altogether,” he added.
Commends Tinubu and Oyebanji’s Governance
Fayose said President Tinubu deserves commendation for stabilizing the economy, though he acknowledged Nigeria still faces major challenges.
“There’s no miracle that can fix Nigeria overnight. But for the little the president has done, we must commend him. I was a critic of Buhari’s government. This administration is clearly different,” he said.
He revealed that he had always admired Tinubu’s leadership, even while in office. According to him, national interest must come before party loyalty.
Speaking on Ekiti, Fayose praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance, calling it exceptional. He said all former governors in the state support Oyebanji, regardless of political affiliation.
“In Ekiti, governance goes beyond politics. Our state is our priority. We believe in unity for progress,” he said.
Fayose also disclosed that he asked President Tinubu about his position on Oyebanji.
“I asked Mr. President about Governor Oyebanji again today. He replied, ‘Ayo, that is where I am.’ And I told him, ‘Then I remain with the governor,’” he concluded.
