The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is calling for the expulsion of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, accusing him of committing the cardinal sin in politics, betrayal. Fayose, who once sat at the helm of affairs in the state under the PDP, is now being labeled a traitor for allegedly working against the party’s interests. His public endorsement of the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has ruffled feathers, and the PDP isn’t taking it lightly.
Why It Matters
Dare Adeleke, the state PDP Caretaker Chairman, was serious during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. He went straight for the jugular, declaring that Fayose’s anti-party activities and misconduct had become too much to bear. Adeleke called for Fayose’s expulsion, stating that the former governor had embarrassed the party with his actions. According to him, this recommendation has already been forwarded to the Tom Ikimi-led Disciplinary Panel and the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Reconciliation Committee.
In case you missed it, Fayose recently took to the stage and publicly praised Governor Oyebanji for his “remarkable achievements,” even while standing under the PDP banner. Talk about playing for the other team. “I’m proud of you, you’ve done well,” Fayose reportedly told Oyebanji during the inauguration of a road and electrification project. He even went further, promising to stand by Oyebanji.
What They Are saying
But Adeleke wasn’t having it. “Fayose is not a member of PDP anymore,” he shot back, arguing that the former governor is only trying to please his new boss, Oyebanji. According to Adeleke, Fayose is basically out here angling for money, which he claims is the real reason for this political tango. He paints a picture of a former governor who has gone from leading a party to begging for crumbs from his successor. “Oyebanji must be giving him Ekiti’s money,” Adeleke sarcastically remarked. After all, why else would Fayose be entertaining the governor 18 times in two years?
For Adeleke, the real issue is the state of Ekiti under Oyebanji’s administration. Infrastructure, health, education, security—none of it, according to Adeleke, is in good shape. In his view, Oyebanji’s government has failed spectacularly in every area that matters, making Fayose’s support not only puzzling but shameful. “Where are the infrastructures here in Ekiti?” Adeleke asked, pointing out that the roads are crumbling, the health sector is in shambles, and there’s very little to show for two years of governance under Oyebanji.
Adeleke didn’t stop at criticizing Fayose. He urged the national leadership of the PDP to kick Fayose out before he causes more damage. According to him, keeping Fayose and his allies within the party is like inviting a fox into a henhouse. “Ayo Fayose must be expelled from the party,” Adeleke firmly stated, adding that Fayose should have the decency to officially decamp if he’s so enamored with the APC.
The PDP caretaker chairman also made it clear that the party is in the process of rebuilding itself after the losses and setbacks it has faced. The last thing they need, according to Adeleke, is for Fayose to derail their efforts with his selfish antics. “Fayose’s behavior only serves to weaken our collective efforts,” he added, urging party members to remain focused and not get distracted by one man’s quest for power and influence.
At the heart of Adeleke’s argument is a simple point: PDP needs unity, not division, especially in the run-up to future elections. He urged the people of Ekiti to stay vigilant and patient, hinting that 2026 will be the year to finally put an end to this “cycle of neglect.” Clearly, Adeleke sees Fayose’s actions as a threat not just to the PDP but to the entire state.
Bottom Line
So, what’s next for Fayose? If the PDP has its way, he’ll be shown the door, and fast. But, knowing Fayose’s history of political maneuvering, it’s hard to say whether this is the end of the story.
