Politics
Fayose Warns PDP of Extinction, Rejects APC Defection
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has sounded a grave warning that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, is on the brink of becoming a political “carcass” unless urgent and decisive measures are taken to rescue it from decline.
Despite the party’s challenges, Fayose reaffirmed his steadfast loyalty to the PDP and emphatically dismissed any plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Monday night, Fayose acknowledged the current administration’s efforts, despite his history as a vocal critic of past governments.
He remarked, “For Nigerians, no one is saying it is easy. There is no miracle that can turn things around overnight. But for the little the President has done, we must commend him.
“I was a critic of the last administration, but you cannot compare the situation now. I am here today, not just because of his homecoming, but also to encourage him to do more for the country.”
Fayose, who governed Ekiti State under the PDP banner, highlighted his long-standing support for President Tinubu even before his presidency.
“Even while I was in office, I had always believed in his leadership, and I never hid my support for him, even before he became President. As leaders, we must be courageous enough to encourage him where he is doing well.
“Stabilising an economy that was on the brink is no small feat. There’s a clear difference between total change and steady stabilisation. The steps taken so far by the President, especially regarding the economy and the currency, give us hope.”
Addressing the wave of defections from PDP to APC, Fayose was unequivocal: “Let me be very clear. Ayodele Fayose will not move from PDP to any other political party, not even the APC.
“I am 65 years old this year. Defection is a personal choice, and I cannot speak for those who have moved. Some say they are impressed with the President’s performance, others believe the PDP is in disarray, and truthfully, the PDP is in serious trouble.
“If something drastic is not done, the party will become a carcass. That is the gospel truth.”
When questioned about his role in revitalising the PDP, Fayose admitted he is no longer in frontline politics but stressed his past contributions.
“I’m no longer on the frontline; I am not a sitting governor anymore. When I was Governor of Ekiti State, I made significant contributions. I was a hotbed of opposition and a strong voice for the PDP, everybody knew that.
“But today, I can only play a supportive role. Still, I must speak the truth: without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline.”
Reaffirming his commitment, he declared, “Yes, I am a party man, and that is why I said earlier that I will never leave the PDP for any other party. The moment I’m no longer in the PDP, I would rather quit partisan politics altogether.”
On the governance in Ekiti State, Fayose praised the current governor, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, describing his leadership as exemplary and transcending party lines.
“We have a governor in Ekiti who is doing very, very well. All the former governors are solidly behind him. In Ekiti, governance goes beyond political lines, our state is our primary constituency. It is only through unity that development can happen.”
Fayose also revealed that he sought reassurance from President Tinubu about the political future of Governor Oyebanji.
“The last time I visited the President, I asked him about his position on Governor Oyebanji. He assured me of his support.
“ Today, I asked again to clear the air because of the rumours flying around. His response was the same: ‘Ayo, that is where I am.’ And I told him, I remain with the Governor.”
Thesun.ng
Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been stopped from contesting the 2028 governorship election in the state The Federal High Court in Akure, the state capital, gave the ruling on Thursday, March 12, citing the Supreme Court judgment that presidents and governors can spend more than eight years in office Thus, the governor, who has been sworn in twice, would be spending more than eight years should he win the 2028 governorship election
The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo state capital, has ruled that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state did not have the legal right to contest the 2028 governorship election in the state.
According to the trial court, electing the governor would be a violation of the constitutional limit of eight years in office. Justice Adegoke delivered the judgment that Aiyedatiwa cannot seek re-election in 2028 on Thursday, March 12.
Recall that Aiyedatiwa first assumed office on December 27, 2023, after the death of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. He was again sworn in on February 24, 2025, after he was declared the winner of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.
According to The Tribune, the court held that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not allow a president or governor to stay in office for over eight years, citing the decision of the Supreme Court in Marwa v. Nyako to support its claim. A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Akin Egbuwalo, through his lawyer, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), sought the interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as it relates to the tenure of the governor.
Reacting to the court ruling in an interview on Channels TV, the governor explained that he did not see it coming, citing that he was only in office to govern and was not even thinking of re-election for now. He added that he will only contest if the people want him to continue and the constitution permits it.
His comment has started generating reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Safety Cabal
“The Governor is more interested in future opportunities to contest; he has not justified the essence of his being elected. I pity the people of Ondo State.”
Okilori criticised the governor:
“Ondo state is so unfortunate to have this man as Governor. Despite all support masses gave him during Aketi situation and sickness.”
Taiwo alleged that the governor did not have any capital project to point to:
“Baba won do another term by fire by force, the man no get anything to offer the state, no better capital project , 3 more years to go.”
Onyeka Clinton urged the media house to fix the transmission problem:
“Does this station know that its clips blink? Please, they should work on it so that it will be easy for us to watch online post. Sometimes I wonder if they don’t notice it.”
Court Ruling On Re-election: I Never Saw It Coming; I Have To Hire Lawyers To Defend Me; We'll Face It, says Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State Governor. #PoliticsToday pic.twitter.com/QkRREAcvcy
— Channels Television (@channelstv) March 12, 2026
Senator Ipalibo Banigo has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Banigo’s defection letter was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
As reported by The Punch, the federal lawmaker said her decision to join APC is to advance development in Rivers State and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Banigo, representing Rivers West Senatorial District, said her decision is intended to align politically with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“The decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, my political associates, and critical stakeholders across my senatorial district, given the prevailing internal divisions, protracted leadership disputes, and ongoing litigations within the People’s Democratic Party, which have adversely affected cohesion.
“This decision is also predicated on my resolve to join my political mentor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in supporting President Bola Tinubu, to actualize his re-election bids and enable the President to continue his evident economic reforms, which have significantly improved the economic situation, enhanced currency stability, and driven numerous infrastructural developments across our dear nation.”
Zamfara state deputy governor, Mani Malam Mummuni, has announced the defection of the state’s leadership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The news means President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has further consolidated his political grip across Nigeria following the defection of the Zamfara state government to the APC.
In a video that has gone viral, the announcement was made by Zamfara Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mummuni on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal, confirming that the state leadership had formally aligned with the ruling party.
The move widens Tinubu’s influence at the subnational level, with the APC now governing more than 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states. The development reinforces the party’s dominance as 2027 general elections draw near.
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