Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose laid bare the tumultuous state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking on October 13, 2024, Fayose painted a grim picture of a once-dominant political force now mired in embarrassing infighting and haunted by its 2023 election loss.
As I sat in the bustling Channels Television studio, the air thick with tension, Ayo Fayose’s words cut through the political noise. The former governor, known for his blunt assessments, didn’t mince words about the PDP’s current predicament.
“The current situation in our party has made a mockery of suspension and counter-suspension, especially at that level of leadership,” Fayose declared, his voice tinged with disappointment. “Sadly now, the current situation in the party has taken the party so low to the level of embarrassment that is most unnecessary.”
The weight of his words hung heavy in the studio, reflecting the gravity of the PDP’s internal strife. As a journalist who has covered Nigerian politics for years, I’ve witnessed the party’s ups and downs, but this latest crisis seems particularly severe.
Digging deeper into the issue, Fayose attributed the party’s current woes to its defeat in the 2023 general election. The loss to the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to have left deep scars on the party’s psyche.
“The mismanagement and arrogance of a few today is haunting the party,” Fayose explained, his eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and concern. “And they say when the head is sick, the whole body is gone.”
The metaphor was apt, painting a vivid picture of a political organization struggling to find its footing in the aftermath of a significant defeat.
In a moment that underscored the severity of the situation, Fayose made a startling assertion. “It will need God’s intervention, it will need a miracle for this party to be put together again,” he stated, his voice carrying a hint of resignation.
As a seasoned political observer, I’ve heard my fair share of dramatic statements. But coming from a party stalwart like Fayose, these words carry significant weight. They suggest that the PDP’s internal divisions may run deeper than many outsiders realize.
The PDP’s troubles aren’t confined to internal disagreements. Recent legal developments have further complicated matters. On October 11, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling that has tied the hands of party leadership.
Fayose explained the situation: “A court of law has taken a decision on the matter.” The ruling in question bars the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) from removing Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
This legal constraint adds another layer of complexity to an already tangled situation. As I watched Fayose speak, it was clear that the court’s decision had caught many in the party off guard.
Amidst swirling rumors about his own political ambitions, Fayose took the opportunity to set the record straight. With characteristic directness, he addressed reports that he had declared interest in becoming the national chairman of the PDP.
“That is an irresponsible statement that is not from me and will never be from me,” Fayose stated emphatically. “I don’t even want to be anything in the party anymore, I don’t even want an appointment of any sort.”
His words carried a sense of finality, suggesting a desire to distance himself from the party’s internal machinations. As someone who has followed Fayose’s career closely, this declaration of disinterest in party positions marks a significant shift in his political stance.
The PDP’s troubles aren’t confined to the national level. In Rivers State, a political drama is unfolding that mirrors the larger party crisis. Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory), are locked in a battle for control of the state party apparatus.
Fayose, who had previously advised Fubara to maintain a good relationship with Wike, now describes the situation as “very unfortunate.” His words carried a tinge of regret as he reflected on the deteriorating relationship between the two politicians.
“I said all I said in good faith,” Fayose explained, referring to his earlier advice. All I said was to ensure there is harmony between Governor Fubara and Governor Wike, but the turnout of events has given everybody a lot of concern.
As someone who has reported on Nigerian politics for years, I’ve seen my fair share of political fallouts. However, the Wike-Fubara situation seems particularly fraught, given their once-close relationship.
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Fayose’s interview was his assessment of the Rivers State situation. When asked about the possibility of reconciliation between Wike and Fubara, Fayose’s response was bleak.
“The crisis is very, very unfortunate,” he said, shaking his head. “I believe that the matter has crossed the Rubicon, the matter has gone far.”
Fayose’s use of the phrase “crossed the Rubicon” – a reference to Julius Caesar’s fateful decision to cross the Rubicon river, sparking a civil war – underscores the severity of the situation. It suggests that the rift between Wike and Fubara may be irreparable.
“Even if you want to resolve this matter, how do you put the trust back?” Fayose questioned, his tone somber. So, I would rather want to believe that it is too far for a call for reconciliation.”
As the interview drew to a close, the gravity of the PDP’s situation was palpable. Fayose’s candid assessments paint a picture of a party at a crossroads, grappling with internal divisions, legal constraints, and the long shadow of electoral defeat.
The challenges facing the PDP are multifaceted and complex. From national leadership struggles to state-level conflicts, the party seems to be fighting battles on multiple fronts. The call for “divine intervention” underscores the depth of the crisis and the perceived difficulty of finding a human solution.
As I left the Channels Television studio, Fayose’s words continued to resonate. The PDP’s journey from Nigeria’s dominant political force to its current state of disarray is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of Nigerian politics.
For a party that once prided itself on its unity and national reach, the road ahead looks fraught with challenges. Whether the PDP can navigate these troubled waters and emerge as a cohesive political force remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the coming months will be crucial for the party’s future, and all eyes will be on how it handles these internal crises.
As Nigeria moves closer to its next election cycle, the ability of opposition parties like the PDP to present a united front will be critical. The question now is whether the party can heed Fayose’s warnings and find a path to reconciliation, or if it will continue down a road of internal strife and diminishing political relevance.
