Ekiti PDP knocks Fayose over PDP “dead” declaration

• Says ex-gov’s “political career dead, buried”

From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has criticised a former governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose, over his recent declaration of the PDP as a “dead” party.

The PDP, which said the “former governor’s political career is dead”, also described him as “a political retiree desperately shouting from the sidelines to remind people that he once existed.”

Fayose, a chieftain of the PDP, while speaking on a political programme on a national television on Wednesday, described the PDP as “dead”, following the recent exit of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah from the PDP, as well as the gale of defections rocking the PDP.

The party, in a statement issued by Hon. Yemi Ajanaku, PDP Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in the state, on Thursday, said Fayose’s recent attacks on the PDP were “the bitter cries of a man who destroyed his own political career through greed, betrayal, and unbridled arrogance”.

“Let it be clear, Ayo Fayose’s political career is dead and buried. Ekiti people have rejected him. The PDP has moved on. What we are witnessing now is the noise of a lonely man whose influence disappeared the day he lost the trust of the very people who once believed in him.”

Continuing, the PDP said, “This is the same man who imposed candidates, sold out party interests, and divided our ranks. He thrived on intimidation and deceit, and now that Ekiti PDP has broken free from his control, he can’t handle it. The era of ‘Fayose decides everything’ is gone forever.”

The party challenged the former governor to test his popularity anywhere in Ekiti State without hiding behind the name of the PDP or structure.

“If Fayose still thinks he matters, let him call a rally in Ado-Ekiti and see if even the people he used to pay will show up. Ekiti people are done with his drama. They want progress, not noise. They want leadership, not manipulation.”

Reaffirming the party’s focus on rebuilding its grassroots and uniting all members ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections in the state, the PDP said it would not be distracted by “expired politicians seeking relevance through insults and media theatrics”.

“The PDP in Ekiti is back on its feet, stronger, united, and ready to win again. Fayose can keep talking to himself on social media and media houses, but the train of progress has left the station, and he is not even at the park.”