Olusegun Ariyo
Former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State, Barrister Gboyega Oguntuase has given insight into why a former governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has not been expelled from the party for anti-party activities.
Recall that Fayose didn’t support his party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, but allegedly worked for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu.
He has also openly endorsed the current governor of Ekiti State for a reelection for a second term in 2026, a move seen by his party as amounting to anti-party activities.
Oguntuase, who briefed newsmen yesterday in Ado Ekiti, said that the former governor was kind enough to let members of the party know that he is not a loyal member of the PDP.
“There are so many things that the PDP takes more seriously than the conduct of Fayose.
“What is important to us is that we must strategize on winning elections without him because he has said he will not be for us.
“That is more important than rushing to his ward to get him suspended or expelled.
“Your media people are the ones dignifying him; we don’t have time for him. We are more concerned about rebuilding our party, that is what is important now,” he said.
The ex-chairman added that, “Fayose has been kind enough to demonstrate that he is not a loyal PDP member.
“He has been kind enough to manifestly show that he will undo the party in the next governorship election. He has indicated that he is for the opposition in the next election.
“He declared at every fora that the current Governor, Abayomi Oyebanji should continue for another four years.
“As far as we are concerned, if such a person is again complaining that he is not included in the future development of the PDP, you see that it is self contradictory.
“Do you want us to commit blunder by bringing in a spy or an enemy into our strategic planning, the answer is no.
“Those who set up the caretaker committee have taken a lot of things into consideration,” he said.
On the new caretaker committee, Oguntuase said the timely composition of the committee would help loyal and committed members to focus on rebuilding the party for future elections in the state.
“The caretaker committee headed by Lanre Adeleke will encourage those of us who are committed to rebuilding the party and even working across political parties to see that we gain more people.
“I am happy they have set up caretaker committees in all the local governments. This will encourage us to start having a lot of activities,” he stated.
