Former Governor of Ekiti State in southwest Nigeria, Ayodele Fayose, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its political strength in the state, saying the party is “dead” and its governorship aspirants are “fooling themselves.”
Okay News reports that Fayose, a two-time governor and one of the most influential figures in the PDP, made the statement during an interactive session with journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Monday. He added that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is well-positioned for a “landslide victory” in the upcoming Ekiti governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
“In the first place, where is the PDP in Ekiti? To be very honest, where are the party members? Where are PDP meetings being held? The party is totally moribund — just like what is happening at the national level,” Fayose said.
The outspoken former governor lamented that the opposition party had become ineffective, claiming it lacked grassroots presence or viable leadership.
He added, “If there is hope, you can cling to it and bring life out of it. But there is no hope. The PDP is dead here in Ekiti. There are four aspirants in the PDP, and the saddest thing for any man is to be fooling himself. The worst thing in life as a PDP member, or as someone living in this world, is self-deception. Tell me where you have seen a credible PDP gathering in this state. I am a major stakeholder. Most of those contesting today, I brought them up. And I am telling you, the party for now is dead in Ekiti. I don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
Despite remaining a member of the PDP, Fayose maintained that his loyalty to truth and performance transcended party lines, praising Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and achievements.
“Oyebanji is doing well. I have said it repeatedly and without apologies. I am not a member of the APC and will never be, but I won’t destroy or condemn what is good simply because I’m in the opposition,” he said.
Fayose further declared that Oyebanji’s leadership had won the admiration of the people of Ekiti, adding that his administration deserved continuity.
“Oyebanji is the man the people of Ekiti want till 2030. And I am in support. We must be able to stand up for the truth. People know me for that. Oyebanji remains our governor,” he added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed June 20, 2026, for the Ekiti State governorship election. While Oyebanji has already secured the APC ticket, four aspirants — Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, Mr. Funso Ayeni, and Peter Obafemi — are expected to contest for the PDP nomination.
Reacting to Fayose’s remarks, Tunji Odeyemi, the PDP Chairman in Ekiti State, condemned the statement as “unfortunate” and dismissed the claim that the party had collapsed.
Odeyemi said, “It is unfortunate for a former governor to make such statements against the party that made him governor twice. He is not God — the party will surprise him. The four aspirants in the PDP are credible individuals. The primary will be fair and transparent, and we will produce a strong candidate who will square up against the governor. I can assure you, the PDP will be victorious next year.”
As political tension heightens ahead of the 2026 poll, analysts believe Fayose’s comments could further deepen divisions within the PDP and potentially strengthen Oyebanji’s re-election campaign.
The PDP, APC, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) remain the three major parties expected to compete for dominance in the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election.
