Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will likely come fourth in the 2027 general elections, blaming the party’s dwindling influence on internal compromise and poor leadership.
Fayose made the statement while speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he gave his candid views on the current state of the PDP following its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
According to him, the party has lost its footing in many states, with major figures either defecting or being pushed out, leaving the PDP in what he described as a “carcass.”
“Today, I’m telling you, the PDP will come fourth in the general elections. In most states, they’re already compromised; they have eased out so many leaders,” Fayose said.
He further stated that the opposition party had messed up and was now struggling to manage itself. “Managing the party has become an issue. Pretenders can pretend, but the reality is clear,” he added.
Fayose, who was a two-term governor, reiterated that he had always been open about his admiration for President Bola Tinubu. He recalled visiting Tinubu while in office, even when Tinubu was not president, and described him as a leader with capacity.
“I never hid my support and respect for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I visited him severally as a sitting governor. When he had knee surgery, I went openly to greet him,” he said.
Fayose revealed that Tinubu once invited him to join the APC, but he declined, stating that he remained in PDP out of choice but was not blind to its internal problems.
He also highlighted the exodus of key figures from the PDP, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s associates, governors, senators, and other party chieftains, adding that “even when you have a NEC or convention, to what end?”
Fayose, a known member of the G5, said he has no apologies for standing with his kinsman, Tinubu, saying it made no sense to fight a man he believed had what it takes to lead.
“When your kinsman wants to be president, and he has the capacity, why should you fight him?” he asked.