Fayose Reacts As Ekiti PDP Recommends Expulsion Over Anti-Party Allegations

The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recommended the expulsion of former Governor Ayodele Fayose for alleged anti-party activities. The recommendation was made by the party’s caretaker committee chairman, Dare Adeleke, and submitted to the Chief Tom Ikimi-led PDP disciplinary committee. Fayose’s recent public support for the second-term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who belongs to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), was cited as a key reason for the move.

Fayose, in an interview last week, openly endorsed Oyebanji for a second term, despite not being in the same party. He reiterated this stance while inaugurating the Dehead/Faglo Road and electrification project completed by the APC governor in Ado Ekiti. In response to the recommendation for his expulsion, Fayose dismissed the issue, saying Adeleke lacked the authority to expel him from the PDP. Through his aide, Lere Olayinka, Fayose expressed confidence in his political influence in Ekiti, suggesting that Adeleke was overstepping his powers.

Adeleke, however, defended the expulsion recommendation, accusing Fayose of consistently endorsing opposition candidates, which he argued undermines the PDP’s values and unity. Speaking at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, Adeleke labeled Fayose’s actions as a deliberate misrepresentation of the PDP’s stance to the public. He stressed that the former governor’s statements were meant to please Governor Oyebanji, alleging that Fayose had a personal interest in receiving favors from the governor.

Adeleke further criticized the performance of the Oyebanji administration, pointing to what he described as a lack of development in key areas such as infrastructure, health, and security in Ekiti State over the past two years. He called on the public to reject leaders who fail to deliver tangible progress and urged Fayose to make his defection official rather than continue undermining the PDP.

The PDP caretaker chairman reassured party members that the focus should remain on rebuilding a strong and united PDP in Ekiti. He encouraged them to disregard distractions and work collectively toward strengthening the party’s foundation and serving the people of Ekiti with integrity.