A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Monday, dismissed rumors that he had left the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.
Instead, he reiterated his commitment to revitalizing the PDP and ensuring its success in the 2026 state elections.
Fayose emphasized his loyalty to the PDP, saying he would never join the APC. He also appealed to PDP members to stop maligning his character and to avoid engaging in politics of bitterness.
Fayose was a prominent advocate for returning power to the South in the 2023 election, aligning with the Nyesom Wike-led G5 to oppose PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. Despite this, during the election, Fayose openly campaigned for President Bola Tinubu, the APC candidate.
In Ekiti State, Fayose also showed support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, reciprocating visits and declaring his support for Oyebanji’s administration. However, while addressing his supporters in Ado Ekiti, Fayose refuted claims that he had accepted a position from Oyebanji, asserting that Ekiti, a PDP state, must be rescued from APC control.
“I have come to tell you that the PDP must not die in Ekiti State. I want you to have peace, please don’t destroy my personality. When we come to the election period, we will fight BAO (Governor Biodun Oyebanji). The PDP is not in order in Ekiti, let us come together,” he said.
Fayose praised Governor Oyebanji’s work and humility, noting, “I feel satisfied with the works that Governor Oyebanji has done so far in the state. BAO is a humble governor. Thirteen times, he visited me in Lagos to greet me. We discussed the progress and development of the state. I have to respect him. That has nothing to do with politics. He is the only governor that has brought all governors in the state together.”
He continued, “When it is time for the election, we will confront him. I am a landmark governor in Ekiti State. We supported Asiwaju in the last presidential election because he is a Yoruba man, and it’s time for our Presidency.”
Fayose urged PDP members to unite and avoid internal divisions to defeat the APC in the 2026 governorship election. “I am beginning campaigns ahead of the congresses in two local government areas. I will go to all local government areas and I will support them with logistics for the election of our party. I am not looking for opposition. If you say Fayose does not matter, wait, during the election you will see,” he said.
He called for an end to factionalism within the PDP, stating, “Let there be no Biodun Olujimi, Ayodele Fayose, Bisi Kolawole, or Duro Faseyi factions in the PDP. Let us work for peace to be able to win elections in the state.”
The PDP in Ekiti State has been plagued by leadership crises for years, with divisions primarily between the factions of Fayose and Olujimi.