The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has taken a swipe at former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, over his comments on the recent meeting between Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Tinubu.
The forum, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director General, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, described Fayose as a liability to Nigerian politics and accused him of engaging in partisan attacks that undermine democratic values and good governance.
Makinde had held a closed door meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on January 22, where issues affecting Oyo State and broader national concerns were discussed.
However, Fayose alleged that Makinde was accompanied to the meeting by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, a claim he said showed Makinde’s unwillingness to confront the President alone on political matters. He further claimed that Tinubu restricted the discussion to governance issues in Oyo State and refused to entertain political concerns, including Makinde’s earlier remarks about an alleged move towards a one party system.
Reacting, the PDP governors dismissed Fayose’s claims and questioned his motives, alleging that his outbursts followed repeated failed attempts to ingratiate himself with the Presidency.
“Ordinarily, the Forum would not dignify characters like Fayose with a response,” the statement said. “However, it has become necessary to address his latest gaffe in order to draw attention to the damage his conduct continues to inflict on Nigeria’s political culture.”
The forum argued that Fayose’s comments portrayed Tinubu as a leader interested only in political consolidation rather than governance, a narrative it said was misleading and harmful.
It added, “His partisan tirades suggest a leadership focused on political horse trading to the exclusion of addressing the nation’s development challenges. This does a disservice to the President, the governors, and the country at large.”
The PDP governors also expressed concern over what they described as Fayose’s declining public conduct, urging those close to him to intervene.
“Nigeria’s democracy stands to suffer from individuals who thrive on partisan hostility and manufactured crises,” the statement said. “The Presidency should clearly dissociate itself from unsolicited attacks that lower the tone of national discourse.”
