Fayose Warns PDP Over Internal Crisis, Rules Out Defection To APC

FORMER governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) risks becoming a political “carcass” if urgent and drastic steps were not taken to salvage its dwindling fortunes.
Despite the gale of defections from the party, Fayose reststed his loyalty to the PDP, insisting he has no intention of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking shortly after a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence, Fayose said although he has been a long-standing critic of past administrations, the efforts of the current government deserve acknowledgment, adding that it is unfair to expect a miraculous turnaround in a short time, even as he said the current administration has demonstrated commitment and courage in tackling Nigeria’s challenges.
He stated: “For Nigerians, no one is saying it is easy. There is no miracle that can turn things around overnight. But for the little the President has done, we must commend him.
“I was a critic of the last administration, but you cannot compare the situation now. I am here today, not just because of his homecoming, but to also encourage him to do more for the country.”
Fayose noted that his support for Tinubu was not new, adding: “Even while I was in office, I had always believed in his leadership and I never hid my support for him, even before he became President.
“As leaders, we must be courageous enough to encourage him where he is doing well. Stabilising an economy that was on the brink is no small feat. There’s a clear difference between total change and steady stabilisation.
“The steps taken so far by the President, especially regarding the economy and the currency, give us hope.”
On defections, particularly from PDP to APC, the former governor stressed: “Let me be very clear: Ayodele Fayose will not move from PDP to any other political party, not even the APC.
“I am 65 years old this year. Defection is a personal choice, and I cannot speak for those who have moved. Some say they are impressed with the President’s performance, others believe the PDP is in disarray, and truthfully, the PDP is in serious trouble. If something drastic is not done, the party will become a carcass.”
On what personal efforts he has made to help reposition his party, Fayose stated: “I’m no longer in the frontline; I am not a sitting governor anymore. When I was governor of Ekiti State, I made significant contributions. I was a hotbed of opposition and a strong voice for the PDP, everybody knew that.
“But today, I can only play a supportive role. Still, I must speak the truth. Without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline.
“Yes, I am a party man, and that is why I said earlier that I will never leave the PDP for any other party. The moment I’m no longer in the PDP, I would rather quit partisan politics altogether.”