A former governor of Ekiti State and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayo Fayose, has expressed regret over the ongoing crisis within the party.
Fayose noted that the series of suspensions and counter-suspensions have lowered the party to a level of embarrassment, which he believes is unnecessary.
“The current situation in our party has made a mockery of suspensions and counter-suspensions, especially at the leadership level,” he said
“Sadly, the situation has brought the party to an embarrassing low, which was avoidable.”
He attributed the crisis in the PDP to the party’s loss in the 2023 general election to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Fayose, divine intervention will be required to restore the PDP as a strong political force capable of competing for top positions in the country.
“The arrogance and mismanagement by a few individuals are now haunting the party. As they say, when the head is sick, the entire body suffers. It will take a miracle for the party to come together again,” he added.
Court Ruling on Party Leadership
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday prevented the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) from removing Umar Damagum as Acting National Chairman, a development that Fayose said has effectively tied everyone’s hands in the party.
When asked if Damagum should step aside, Fayose responded that any suggestion at this point is irrelevant due to the court’s ruling.
Fayose also denied rumors that he had declared his interest in becoming the party’s national chairman, dismissing such reports as baseless.
“There was a write-up yesterday claiming I had declared for national chairman. That’s an irresponsible statement, not from me. I don’t want any position in the party, nor do I seek any appointment,” he clarified.
Wike-Fubara Conflict
The PDP crisis has also spilled into Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara is locked in a dispute with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Fayose recalled advising Fubara, in a video that went viral, to avoid conflict with Wike when their relationship was still cordial.
Unfortunately, the relationship has since deteriorated, which Fayose described as “very unfortunate.”
“I gave my advice in good faith to maintain harmony between Governor Fubara and Governor Wike, but the outcome has caused great concern,” he said, expressing doubt that reconciliation is still possible.
“The crisis has gone too far. Even if there is an attempt to resolve it, how do you restore trust? It may be beyond repair.”