Former Ekiti State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ayo Fayose, has expressed regret over the internal crisis plaguing the once-dominant party. He lamented that the ongoing suspensions and counter-suspensions among party leaders have lowered the party to a state of embarrassment.
“The current situation in our party has made a mockery of suspension and counter-suspension, especially at the leadership level,” Fayose said during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He added, “The party has sunk to a level of embarrassment that is entirely unnecessary.”
Fayose attributed the crisis in the main opposition party to its loss in the 2023 general elections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He emphasized that only divine intervention could save the PDP and help it regain its former strength.
“The mismanagement and arrogance of a few individuals are now haunting the party,” Fayose remarked. “It will take God’s intervention and a miracle to restore the party to a position where it can effectively challenge for top political positions in Nigeria.”
Regarding the recent court ruling, which barred the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) from removing Umar Damagum as Acting National Chairman, Fayose noted that the decision has tied the hands of party members. He stressed that his opinion on whether Damagum should step aside no longer matters since the court has already ruled on the issue.
Fayose also dismissed rumors suggesting that he had declared his intention to run for the PDP’s national chairmanship, calling the claims “irresponsible.” He stated, “I don’t want to be anything in the party anymore. That seat is too hot for my age now. I will never aspire to be the national chairman.”
Fayose also addressed the ongoing conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He described the feud as “very unfortunate,” noting that he had previously advised Fubara not to fall out with Wike. However, their relationship has since deteriorated, and Fayose fears the situation may be beyond reconciliation.
“The crisis has gone too far, and I don’t see how trust can be restored,” Fayose said. “It seems too late for any meaningful reconciliation.”