The Peoples Democratic Party has taken a swipe at former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over his allegation that the recent bandit attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State might have been orchestrated by Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, to blackmail President Bola Tinubu.
The South West PDP, while condemning the statement, described it as “reckless, insensitive and politically dangerous,” adding that “such a statement is not only irresponsible and provocative, but also exposes Fayose’s glaring double standards on insecurity, political morality and public accountability.
The PDP Southwest Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, said in a statement titled, ‘Fayse’s hypocrisy exposed’, made available to PUNCH Online in Ado Ekiti on Friday that “at a time when Nigerians are being killed, abducted and displaced by criminal elements across the country, it is both shameful and unfortunate that a former governor would seek to convert a national tragedy into a platform for political mischief.”
Recall that Fayose had, following the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers by gunmen in some local government areas of Oyo State, alleged that the state government orchestrated the recent abduction in parts of the state as part of a plot to embarrass Tinubu.
Fayose made the allegation while speaking on a televised programme, where he questioned the response of the Oyo State Government to the incident and suggested that political considerations might have influenced its handling.
But Atofarati stated, “The Southwest PDP urges Nigerians to reject attempts to weaponise insecurity for partisan advantage. We stand firmly with the government and people of Oyo State in this difficult moment and commend Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering commitment to the security and welfare of the people.
“Security challenges require responsible leadership, national unity and sincere collaboration, not inflammatory allegations from individuals whose political positions shift according to personal interests.”
The PDP zonal spokesperson said that Fayose’s hypocrisy becomes even more evident when viewed against developments in his Ekiti home state, where he maintained silence over the abduction and continued captivity of 16 worshippers for over one month.
He said, “Recently, armed men attacked a church in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government area, killing a visiting pastor and abducting several worshippers who remain in captivity.
“Eda-Oniyo is barely 30 minutes away from Afao-Ekiti, Fayose’s hometown. Yet, he neither accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of negligence nor demanded answers from the state government regarding the deteriorating security situation. Instead, while innocent citizens remained in captivity, Fayose continued his self-styled statewide political tour in support of Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
“Most disturbing was his recent appearance in Ilawe-Ekiti, within Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, where he openly met and fraternised with APC members and political leaders in furtherance of his campaign for the APC governor. At no point during his visit did he demonstrate empathy for the victims of the Eda-Oniyo attack or use his platform to demand urgent action from the government.
“This selective outrage exposes the insincerity behind his comments on the Oyo incident and confirms that his criticisms are driven not by concern for victims of insecurity but by partisan calculations.”
Atofarati queried Fayose’s political morality publicly claiming to be PDP leader in Ekiti State, but serving as one of the loudest advocates of Governor Oyebanji’s re-election under the APC.
He continued, “Beyond that, Fayose successfully fielded his own biological son under the APC platform and continues to work tirelessly for the electoral success of a party he claims not to belong to.
“Nigerians and PDP members in particular are justified in asking: How does a self-acclaimed PDP leader justify openly campaigning for the APC while simultaneously claiming ownership of the PDP? Such conduct represents a fundamental contradiction that undermines every principle of party loyalty, political integrity and ideological consistency.
“The same Fayose commenced public campaigns for Oyebanji’s second term barely months after the Oyebanji administration assumed office. One is compelled to ask what objective assessment could have warranted such an endorsement at that early stage. Certainly not measurable performance, fulfilled promises or verifiable governance outcomes. The answer is apparent to discerning observers.
“It is unfortunate that the philosophy once promoted as “stomach infrastructure” appears to have degenerated into a politics driven entirely by personal interests and political convenience. Rather than standing with victims of insecurity and demanding effective solutions from those in authority, Fayose has chosen the path of partisan distortion, selective outrage and political opportunism.”
The Southwest PDP, while commending former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, for his statesmanship, commitment to equity, fair play and dedication to the unity and cohesion of PDP, urged him “as one of the party’s most respected leaders in the zone, “to prevail on Ayo Fayose to retrace his steps and desist from actions that continually undermine the collective interests of the party”.
Atofarati added, “Posterity demands that leaders strengthen institutions they helped build rather than weaken them for temporary political convenience.”
