Fayose Declares He Will Campaign Against Atiku in 2027
Ayo Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State and a member of The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has openly admitted to opposing the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and indicated that he would do so again if Abubakar pursues the nomination in the future. This confession has sparked discussions about party loyalty, internal power dynamics, and the PDP’s future following a major electoral setback.
Fayose took responsibility for his actions, claiming they were necessary adjustments resulting from perceived violations of power-sharing agreements within the party. He suggested that the decision to return the presidential nomination to the North, after a period of northern leadership, was a major factor in the internal fractures that disrupted the PDP’s campaign. “Those who concentrated on returning power to the North caused these problems,” he argued, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a “gentleman’s agreement” on rotational leadership and advocating for a candidate from the South (South-East, South-South, or South-West) in the next presidential election.
However, this position poses a direct challenge to the principle of party supremacy, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court rulings emphasizing the party’s authority. Fayose’s public opposition to the party’s selected candidate raises concerns about the PDP’s cohesion and stability. When asked if his actions represented anti-party behavior, Fayose was unapologetic, insisting that lessons from past failings must be acknowledged.
He elaborated further by arguing that legitimate leadership stems from responsible power use, not from unchecked authority. He illustrated this with a hypothetical scenario of leaders misusing their positions to issue unlawful directives, stressing the necessity of accountability and adherence to legal standards.
Looking to the future, Fayose announced that if the current administration secures a second term, he would actively back a Southern candidate in the next presidential election, even if it goes against party solidarity. He recognized his advancing age, predicting he would be over 70 at that time, yet he remains committed to advocating for a shift in power dynamics, warning of potential turmoil and dissatisfaction if fair representation is not prioritized.
