PDP kicks as Fayose wears party’s cap at Tinubu, Ekiti gov’s rally

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has condemned former Governor Ayodele Fayose for wearing a cap with the party’s logo at a high-profile All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsement rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Fayose, a known supporter of Governor Oyebanji despite his PDP affiliation, made a dramatic appearance […]

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has condemned former Governor Ayodele Fayose for wearing a cap with the party’s logo at a high-profile All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsement rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Fayose, a known supporter of Governor Oyebanji despite his PDP affiliation, made a dramatic appearance at the “PBAT & BAO/MCA” rally held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, where he donned a PDP cap while calling for the re-election of Tinubu and Oyebanji.

Addressing the crowd, Fayose stated, “I am not a member of the APC, and I will never be, but I stand here to say I have seen the governor’s good work. I commend Governor Oyebanji’s humility and leadership in Ekiti State. He deserves a second term based on performance rather than party loyalty.”

He urged Ekiti residents to back Tinubu and Oyebanji for second terms, stating that the APC was a party where “you follow leadership instructions,” unlike the PDP. Fayose also encouraged ongoing defections from the PDP to the APC.

Fayose has, alongside other former Ekiti governors, publicly endorsed Oyebanji since 2023, citing his inclusive leadership and ability to unite past governors and political leaders in the state.

Reacting to the development, PDP Publicity Secretary in Ekiti, Jackson Adebayo, described Fayose’s action as “political absurdity.”

“There is drama and a show of absurdity in politics. Everyone in the PDP knows Fayose is no longer with us. He has not contributed positively to the party since leaving office.

“How can you claim to be in PDP while openly campaigning for a sitting governor of another party?” he added.

Fayose’s brother, Isaac, also criticised the former governor’s stance, saying he had “lost electoral value” by betraying so many people with his actions.

Speaking at the rally, Governor Oyebanji said over 300 groups and stakeholders had already endorsed him ahead of the rally, encouraging him to “run again till 2030.”

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who received the endorsement letter on behalf of the party, also urged President Tinubu to seek re-election. He condemned those promoting the ADC coalition, accusing them of attempting to derail the current administration.

At the rally, several political figures formally joined the APC, including Senator Biodun Olujimi, former PDP majority leader; Obafemi Adewale (SAN); and Hon. Babatunde Omotayo, an SDP lawmaker. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi was absent but reportedly sent an apology.

Other notable attendees included Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa and former governors of Ekiti State, Segun Oni and Otunba Niyi Adebayo.