Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose refuted news reports on Friday claiming that he had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the party’s loss in the recent presidential election. Fayose emphasized that he remains a member of the PDP and clarified that he did not resign but merely stepped aside. In a statement he personally signed, titled “I didn’t resign from PDP, I only stepped aside – Ayo Fayose,” he urged Nigerians to continue supporting and voting for the PDP, particularly in the upcoming governorship and state assembly elections.
In his statement, Fayose asserted, “I am still a bonafide member of the PDP. I only said I stepped aside because I need to speak the truth to power without the fear of my view being tainted by party coloration.” He explained that resigning from a political party involves specific procedures, which he would follow if he ever felt the need to leave the PDP. He stressed the importance of having someone who can express the truth without being influenced by party affiliations. Fayose highlighted his longstanding commitment to the PDP, noting his roles as a member of the PDP National Executive Committee, the party caucus, and the Board of Trustees due to his previous position as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. He described his membership as a lifetime commitment, adding, “But Nigeria is bigger than any party.”
Fayose also clarified that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reiterated that he would never join the party, although he expressed respect for President Bola Tinubu. He asserted his right to his perspective on the 2023 presidential election, deeming it free and fair. Furthermore, he stated that he has no intention of contesting for any political position again, questioning, “What am I going to contest for at 62? Even if I wanted to contest, it would not be under the APC. I have said it repeatedly that I can never join the APC, and I am still saying it now.”
Fayose concluded by emphasizing the need for someone who can speak the truth during this critical period in Nigeria’s history. He expressed his belief that Peter Obi is the “man of the season,” acknowledging that while Asiwaju won the election, the PDP was too fractured to secure a victory at the federal level. He urged citizens to continue voting and supporting the PDP, especially in the governorship and state assembly elections, as these contests are more localized.
Comments are closed for this story.