Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has dismissed speculation about defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a recent interview with TVC, Fayose reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, citing his allegiance to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He stated, “I’m a Wike person. Anywhere Wike is, that is where I am.”
Fayose’s commitment to the PDP remains unwavering, despite his criticism of the party’s leadership in the South-West region. He emphasized, “I will never join the APC.” This stance is notable, given his involvement in Wike’s G-5 Integrity group, which opted to support other presidential candidates during the 2023 election. The group’s decision was driven by the PDP’s failure to adopt a rotational policy for its presidential candidate.
The G-5 group, comprising Fayose, Wike, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and former governor Ugwuanyi, chose to back alternative candidates. While Fayose and some members of the group supported President Bola Tinubu, who is a member of the APC, former governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State backed the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Fayose’s loyalty to Wike and the PDP underscores the complexities of Nigerian politics, where alliances and affiliations can shift significantly. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Fayose’s commitment to the PDP is likely to be closely watched. With the 2023 election cycle now complete, attention is turning to the future of the PDP and the potential implications of Fayose’s stance on the party’s dynamics.
