LAGOS, Nigeria — Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State and prominent member of Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stark warning that the party faces collapse unless “drastic steps” are taken to resolve its internal crises.
Fayose delivered the assessment during a visit to President Bola Tinubu’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Despite the PDP’s turmoil, Fayose ruled out defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring, “Let me be very clear. Ayodele Fayose will not move from PDP to any other political party, not even the APC.”
He added, “I am 65 years old this year. Defection is a personal choice but truthfully, the PDP is in serious trouble. If something drastic is not done, the party will become a carcass. That is the gospel truth.”
The PDP has been embroiled in factional disputes since its 2022 presidential primaries, when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as its candidate.
Key figures, including then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—withheld support for Abubakar, who lost the 2023 election to President Tinubu.
Tensions flared again in 2024 after the party’s national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, refused to resign following his defeat in Imo State’s governorship election.
While the PDP’s South-east chapter appointed a replacement, Wike and allies rallied behind Anyanwu this week, deepening divisions.
When questioned about his role in resolving the PDP’s crises, Fayose conceded his influence had waned.
“I’m no longer in the frontline; I am not a sitting governor anymore,” he said.
“When I was governor, I was a hotbed of opposition and a strong voice for the PDP. But today, I can only play a supportive role.”
He reiterated his loyalty, however, vowing, “The moment I’m no longer in the PDP, I would rather quit partisan politics altogether.”
Fayose, who is standing trial for alleged corruption after leaving office in 2018, praised President Tinubu’s economic policies, contrasting them with the previous administration.
“There is no miracle that can turn things around overnight,” he said.
“But for the little the president has done, we must commend him.”
He cited “steady stabilisation” of the economy and currency reforms as signs of progress.
The former governor also endorsed Ekiti State’s APC governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, calling his performance “outstanding” and revealing he had sought—and received—President Tinubu’s assurance of continued support for Oyebanji.
“In Ekiti, governance goes beyond political lines,” Fayose said.
