Fayose: Atiku Tambuwal and Ayu Ruined the PDP

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has openly criticized prominent figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that their actions led to the party’s weakened state following the 2023 elections.

In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose did not mince words. He stated:

“Atiku wrecked the PDP, Tambuwal wrecked the PDP, and Ayu also contributed to its collapse. Politics is unfair, and life itself is not balanced.”

Reflections on Party Leadership

Fayose singled out former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu as the main contributors to the party’s internal strife. He argued that their decisions and political maneuvers weakened the PDP’s unity and effectiveness.

Speaking further, Fayose acknowledged the current political turbulence in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He admitted that the rapid breakdown of their alliance was unexpected.

“I sat at the high table during Governor Fubara’s swearing-in ceremony in Rivers. I told Wike that I wanted to offer Fubara a word of caution so he wouldn’t betray him,” Fayose recalled, emphasizing his role as a witness to the early stages of the Rivers leadership conflict.

Fayose’s Position in National Politics

Despite his criticisms of PDP leaders, Fayose clarified his personal political stance. Although he has remained a PDP loyalist, he openly supported Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election. He explained:

“Everyone must stand where they can speak the truth to Nigerians. I was not contesting for anything, and I didn’t seek favours from anyone. Publicly, I supported Asiwaju Tinubu in 2023, and I made no attempt to hide it. I am still consistent in that position.”

Importantly, Fayose stressed that his endorsement of Tinubu was not an indication of switching party allegiance.

“I have said it repeatedly — I am not a member of the APC and I will never be,” he added, making clear his ongoing loyalty to the PDP despite disagreements with its leadership.

Analysis and Implications

Political analysts suggest Fayose’s remarks underscore a broader concern about internal party accountability and the consequences of leadership disputes. By openly attributing the PDP’s challenges to specific leaders, Fayose highlights how individual ambitions and disagreements can ripple through party structures, weakening cohesion and public trust.

His perspective also reflects the delicate balance political figures must maintain when navigating party loyalty versus personal convictions. Supporting a rival party’s candidate in an election, even publicly, without defecting, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to politics that prioritizes national interest over strict partisan alignment.

Finally, the commentary points to the risks of unresolved internal conflicts. Observers warn that unless party leaders address accountability and unity, the PDP may struggle to maintain influence, particularly ahead of future elections, with citizens questioning whether the party can effectively govern.