Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has denied reports claiming that he has resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and is quitting partisan politics. In a statement released to the media, Fayose clarified that he has only stepped aside from PDP and has not left the party.
Fayose explained that he wants to always speak the truth without being influenced by any political party. He stated, "I am still a bona fide member of the PDP. I only said I stepped aside because I needed to speak the truth to power without fearing my view being tainted by party colouration. Resigning from a political party has a procedure and the same will be followed if I strongly find the need to leave the party."
The former governor emphasized the importance of having someone who can speak the truth without being attached to any political party. He said, "It is important that we have somebody who can say the truth without wearing any party toga."
Fayose reiterated that he is a member of the PDP, including the party's National Executive Committee, the party caucus, and the Board of Trustees based on his position as a former chairman of the PDP governors’ forum. He also pointed out that Nigeria is bigger than any political party.
Furthermore, Fayose denied rumours that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that he respects Bola Tinubu but would never join the APC. He also stated that he believes that the 2023 presidential election was free and fair and that he is entitled to his views.
Fayose made it clear that he has no interest in contesting any political position at this stage of his life, as he considers himself too old to dabble in politics. He stated, "I am not interested in contesting for any political position again. What am I going to contest for at 62? Even if I want to contest, it will not be under APC. I have said repeatedly that I can never join APC, and I am still saying it now."
Finally, Fayose emphasized the need for someone who can speak the truth at this critical period in Nigeria's history. He concluded by stating that Peter Obi is the man of the season and urged Nigerians to continue to support the PDP, especially in the governorship and houses of assembly elections.