Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in deep crisis and will need nothing short of a miracle to regain relevance. He also expressed doubts that another Southerner could become Nigeria’s president immediately after President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Politics Today aired on Channels Television Friday night, Fayose lamented the fractured state of the PDP, citing internal disunity, lack of reconciliation efforts, and uncoordinated leadership as major setbacks.
“The situation in the party is unfortunate and regrettable,” he said. “Everyone is fending for their own interests. There’s no central command, no peace within the National Working Committee. Show me where the directives are coming from—nowhere.”
Fayose, who has remained a member of the PDP despite internal wrangling, admitted the party’s problems are longstanding and unresolved. “Except by a miracle, the PDP may never reach its desired destination,” he said.
He also dismissed the possibility of another Southerner becoming president after Tinubu, stating, “After Asiwaju’s tenure, let any Southerner come out, and I will boldly say it again: a Southerner can’t become president of Nigeria.”
The former governor also criticized the growing influence of informal political groups within the PDP, such as the Governors Forum and the Ministers Forum, saying they are not backed by the party’s constitution.
“These associations are not recognized by the PDP constitution,” he noted. “The governors, ministers, and former governors all have their own circles, but they are not constitutional bodies. They were created just to have a voice, but they hold no real power in shaping party direction.”
Fayose emphasized that while governors wield influence during their tenure, that power quickly diminishes once they leave office. “We all end up as former governors. The real power lies in constitutional authority, not informal forums,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing tension within the PDP and uncertainty over the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
