2027: PDP may come fourth, internal crisis deepening – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has painted a bleak picture for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections, predicting the party could finish in fourth place.

Speaking during a Channels Television programme on Friday, the PDP chieftain, who was a member of the defunct G5 governors, blamed the party’s ongoing internal crisis and alienation of loyal members for its dwindling political relevance.

“It is my prayer that the PDP will come fourth. Today, I am telling you the PDP will come fourth in the general elections,” Fayose declared.

The outspoken politician criticised the PDP leadership for sidelining experienced party members, adding that many have already been pushed out in several states.

According to him, the PDP has become “a shadow of its former self” and lacks the strength to mount a credible challenge in future elections.

“I have paid my dues in PDP. You cannot continue to match a man like me. I don’t have friends in PDP. I came to PDP alone,” he said.

“How will a party undermine you, a two-term governor, you have done everything humanly possible to sustain, and they undermine you, I should be clapping for them? Forget that.”

Fayose also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of manipulating the system to secure the PDP presidential ticket while stifling alternative candidates.

He alleged Atiku moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a wider plan to consolidate power.

“Atiku knew he was not going to get the ticket of PDP, that was why he moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Fayose claimed.

Asked if he would support Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde should he emerge as the PDP presidential candidate, Fayose said Nigerians would decide.

He reaffirmed his long-standing admiration for President Bola Tinubu, saying he had openly shown his support even while serving as a PDP governor.

“When I was a sitting governor, I did not hide my support for Tinubu. I visited him severally,” he noted.

He backed the idea of zoning the presidency to the South, calling it “a good move,” but insisted it would not be enough to save the PDP, which he said was now plagued by selfish interests.

“Everybody in that party today has become, ‘to your tents, O Israel!’” he said.

Meanwhile, the PDP is currently grappling with major defections and leadership conflicts.

On June 6, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno left the PDP for the APC. Similarly, on April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, and several political leaders also defected to the APC.

Former Delta governor and 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa has reportedly followed suit.

Adding to the party’s troubles, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently resigned from the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences and leading new coalition efforts using the ADC platform as a base for 2027.

The PDP is also battling a bitter leadership crisis, with Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye both laying claim to the position of National Secretary, further deepening instability within the party.