By Muhammad Mamman
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has called on former governor Ayodele Fayose to resign from the party, citing his repeated actions that they claim undermine its integrity. The demand follows Mr Fayose’s recent comments on a Channels Television programme, where he described the PDP in Ekiti and nationally as a “dead” entity that has “lost its soul” and is incapable of winning future elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Dare Adeleke, Chairman of the PDP’s caretaker committee in Ekiti, condemned Mr Fayose’s remarks as acts of disloyalty. He accused the former governor of consistently endorsing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state, actions which Mr Adeleke described as a betrayal of the party that twice provided Mr Fayose with the platform to serve as governor.
Mr Adeleke alleged that Mr Fayose’s disloyalty stemmed from his unsuccessful attempts to gain control of the PDP’s structure in Ekiti, which were resisted by party members and leaders. “Mr Fayose has lost his political relevance in Ekiti, which explains why he has been unable to sway party officials or leaders to join him in undermining the PDP,” Mr Adeleke stated.
The chairman further criticised Mr Fayose for admitting on air that his support for President Bola Tinubu was based on personal friendship and ethnic ties, rather than merit or party loyalty.
Mr Adeleke likened Mr Fayose’s actions to “a soldier who sells secrets to the enemy and then complains about not being promoted.” He also noted that Mr Fayose had lobbied for control of two local government executives within the PDP but was denied, underscoring his diminished influence.
“If Mr Fayose were as politically influential as he claims, he would have succeeded in moving PDP’s structure in Ekiti to the APC or ADC. Yet, not a single ward or local government chairman has followed him,” Mr Adeleke added.
Expressing confidence in the PDP’s future, Mr Adeleke dismissed Mr Fayose’s claims and affirmed the party’s strength. “The PDP remains robust in Ekiti, and we will mobilise loyal members to ensure victory in the 2026 gubernatorial election. Mr Fayose’s associates, bound for the APC or ADC, will remain politically irrelevant,” he said.
Mr Adeleke concluded by reiterating the party’s resolve to reclaim Ekiti State from the APC, stating, “Let it be clear: the PDP will win Ekiti, and I am unequivocal about this.”
