Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has vehemently dismissed widespread speculation suggesting his imminent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a recent interview, Fayose clarified his political allegiance, asserting an unwavering loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and indicating his intention to remain within whatever political fold Wike chooses to align with.
Fayose’s declaration, “I’m a Wike person. Anywhere Wike is, that is where I am,” underscores a deep political bond that has been a defining feature of recent Nigerian political dynamics. This statement directly addresses persistent rumours that have circulated since the 2023 general elections, further solidifying his position despite his continued public criticism of the PDP leadership, particularly within the South-West geopolitical zone.
Despite his outspoken grievances against the internal workings of the PDP, the former governor firmly reiterated his commitment, stating, “I will never join the APC.” This categorical rejection of a move to the ruling party comes even as his political actions, alongside those of Wike, have often appeared to align with the APC’s interests during critical electoral periods, drawing significant attention and debate within the political landscape.
Fayose was a prominent member of the G-5 Integrity Group, a powerful faction within the PDP led by Nyesom Wike, which significantly challenged the party’s hierarchy ahead of the 2023 presidential election. This group, comprising five influential governors and former governors, openly broke ranks with the PDP’s national leadership, primarily over the contentious issue of the party’s zoning arrangement for the presidential ticket.
The G-5’s opposition to the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, stemmed from their demand that the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, resign to ensure regional balance, given that both the chairman and the presidential candidate hailed from the northern part of Nigeria. Their unresolved grievances led to a strategic withdrawal of support for Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy, profoundly impacting the party’s unity and electoral performance.
During the fiercely contested 2023 elections, Ayodele Fayose, alongside Nyesom Wike, then-Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, openly worked towards the election of President Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress. This move was a significant political realignment, demonstrating the G-5’s capacity to influence national outcomes, even as another G-5 member, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, chose to back the Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Fayose’s reaffirmation of loyalty to Wike, especially now that Wike serves as a minister in an APC-led federal government, highlights the intricate and often fluid nature of political allegiances in Nigeria. It raises questions about the long-term implications for the PDP, which continues to grapple with internal divisions and the challenge of rebuilding a cohesive opposition front in the wake of the 2023 electoral defeat.
The former governor’s stance suggests a potential for continued political collaboration with Wike, irrespective of official party lines, which could further complicate the PDP’s efforts to consolidate its influence, particularly in regions where Fayose and Wike command significant grassroots support. Their actions continue to shape narratives around political loyalty, party discipline, and the pursuit of individual political interests within Nigeria’s evolving democratic framework.
This declaration also serves as a critical indicator for political observers, suggesting that while formal party affiliation remains, the underlying dynamics of personal political alliances often dictate strategic moves and allegiances. The enduring bond between Fayose and Wike exemplifies a prevalent trend in Nigerian politics where personal relationships and shared objectives can transcend traditional party structures.
As the political landscape continues to unfold, Fayose’s unwavering commitment to Wike’s political trajectory will undoubtedly remain a focal point, influencing future political realignments and discussions surrounding party loyalty and defection ahead of upcoming elections and political cycles across the nation.
