Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, has warned that Nigeria’s largest opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), risks becoming a political “carcass” if immediate and dramatic efforts are not done to reverse its declining fortunes.
Fayose, on the other hand, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the PDP, claiming that he has no plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, or APC.
Speaking during a courtesy call to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi mansion in Lagos on Monday night, the former Ekiti State governor stated that, while he has long been a critic of previous administrations, the current government’s achievements merit recognition.
He believes it is unrealistic to expect a miracle turnaround in such a short period of time, but the current administration has displayed commitment and courage in addressing Nigeria’s various difficulties.
Fayose said, “For Nigerians, no one is saying it is easy,” Fayose stated. “There is no miracle that can turn things around overnight. But for the little the president has done, we must commend him. I was a critic of the last administration, but you cannot compare the situation now. I am here today, not just because of his homecoming, but also to encourage him to do more for the country.”
Although he was the PDP governor of Ekiti State, he stated that his support for Tinubu is not new.
“Even while I was in office, I had always believed in his leadership, and I never hid my support for him, even before he became president. As leaders, we must be courageous enough to encourage him where he is doing well.
“Stabilising an economy that was on the brink is no small feat. There’s a clear difference between total change and steady stabilisation. The steps taken so far by the president, especially regarding the economy and the currency, give us hope.”
Speaking on the issue of political defections, particularly those from the PDP to the APC, Fayose was clear and emphatic: “Let me be very clear. Ayodele Fayose will not move from PDP to any other political party, not even the APC.
“I am 65 years old this year. Defection is a personal choice, and I cannot speak for those who have moved. Some say they are impressed with the president’s performance, others believe the PDP is in disarray, and truthfully anti-PDP factions are in serious trouble. whiteness. If something drastic is not done, the party will become a carcass. That is the gospel truth.”
When asked what he was doing personally to assist reposition the PDP, the former governor admitted that he was no longer at the forefront of national politics but emphasised that he did his share while in government.
“I’m no longer in the frontline; I am not a sitting governor anymore. When I was governor of Ekiti State, I made significant contributions. I was a hotbed of opposition and a strong voice for the PDP; everybody knew that. But today, I can only play a supportive role. Still, I must speak the truth: without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline.”
Reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP, Fayose said, “Yes, I am a party man, and that is why I said earlier that I will never leave the PDP for any other party. The moment I’m no longer in the PDP, I would rather quit partisan politics altogether.”
On the condition of affairs in Ekiti, Fayose praised the current state governor, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, calling his performance exceptional and deserving of support regardless of party allegiance.
“We have a governor in Ekiti who is doing very, very well. All the former governors are solidly behind him. In Ekiti, governance goes beyond political lines; our state is our primary constituency. It is only through unity that development can happen.”
Fayose also revealed that he had sought clarity from President Tinubu regarding the political future of Governor Oyebanji.
“The last time I visited the president, I asked him about his position on Governor Oyebanji. He assured me of his support. Today, I asked again to clear the air because of the rumours flying around. His response was the same: ‘Ayo, that is where I am.’ And I told him, “I remain with the governor.”
