Former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose declares unwavering loyalty to Nyesom Wike, insists he will never join APC despite PDP leadership crisis
“Anywhere Wike Is, That’s Where I Am” — Fayose Declares Loyalty to Wike, Rules Out APC Defection
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has openly reaffirmed his political allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declaring that his loyalty remains firmly tied to wherever Wike stands politically.
Speaking amid ongoing tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose stated emphatically:
“I’m a Wike person. Anywhere Wike is, that is where I am.”
Despite his scathing criticisms of the PDP leadership in the South-West, Fayose was quick to stress that he has no intention of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I will never join the APC,” Fayose declared, insisting that his grievances are internal party matters and not a justification for defection.
The outspoken former governor was a prominent member of the G-5 Integrity Group within the PDP during the 2023 general elections, a faction led by Wike that openly opposed the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The G-5 group revolted against the PDP leadership after Atiku emerged as the party’s flagbearer, citing his rejection of the party’s zoning and rotation principle, which they argued should have shifted the presidency to the Southern region.
As a result, the group adopted divergent political strategies during the presidential election.
Fayose, alongside Nyesom Wike, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, worked in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who contested under the APC platform and eventually emerged victorious.
In contrast, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, also a member of the G-5, publicly backed the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Fayose’s latest remarks underscore the deepening fault lines within the PDP, particularly in the South-West, and reinforce Wike’s continued influence over key party figures despite his role in the APC-led federal government.
Political observers say Fayose’s declaration further highlights the unresolved leadership and ideological crisis facing the PDP as it struggles to rebuild ahead of the 2027 general elections. Read More
