Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly distanced himself from media reports suggesting he is positioning himself to become the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement shared through his social media account on X.com, Fayose clarified that he is not linked to any claims of self-declaration regarding the chairmanship or the reported suspension of various party leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governors Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde. He noted that any news outlet providing such information, especially without his name clearly stated, should be dismissed as misinformation.
Fayose reiterated that his name should not be assumed to be synonymous with the broader implications of such reports, mentioning that there are other individuals with the same name across Nigeria, and he specifically identifies as Peter Ayodele Fayose. He urged the public to be discerning and read beyond headlines to understand the full context of news stories. Furthermore, he expressed that he has no intentions of pursuing any political position, reinforcing his commitment to staying clear of the internal conflicts currently engulfing the PDP.
The situation within the PDP has become increasingly contentious, particularly following the suspension of key party figures. A faction of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has taken action against National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, alleging disloyalty to the party’s objectives. This internal strife appears emblematic of deeper fractures within the organization, leaving many questioning the party’s unity and direction as it gears up for future elections.
In a reflective turn of events, another faction of the NWC announced the suspension of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, along with National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, citing accusations of anti-party activities. Such measures speak volumes about the party’s leadership struggles, with differing factions plainly at odds, eroding the party’s collective strength. The unrest within the PDP reflects a broader narrative of political disarray that is not uncommon in Nigerian politics.
Legal intervention has emerged as a critical factor in this escalating crisis, as the Abuja Federal High Court imposed a restraining order against the NWC concerning Damagum’s position. The court ruled that no one other than Damagum should be recognized as the acting chairman of the PDP until a national convention is arranged, which has been tentatively scheduled for December of next year. This ruling serves to stabilize the party’s leadership for now but underscores the ongoing tensions and the fragility of internal party governance.
Fayose’s clarifications highlight his desire to remain distanced from the tumultuous events and power struggles within the PDP. As he emphasizes a focus on staying out of political drama, his stance could either represent a moment of strategic withdrawal or a genuine disinterest in returning to the frontline of party politics. Ultimately, the dynamics within the PDP continue to evolve, with leadership claims and factional disputes demanding the attention of its members and stakeholders as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
