PDP Chides Fayose for Claims about Oyo Abduction

The Peoples Democratic Party has criticized former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over his claim that the recent bandit attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State might be linked to Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde. Fayose suggested the governor did this to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.

The South West PDP condemned Fayose's statement, calling it “reckless, insensitive and politically dangerous.” They added, “such a statement is not only irresponsible and provocative but also shows Fayose’s clear double standards on insecurity, political morality and public accountability.”

Chief Sanya Atofarati, the PDP Southwest Publicity Secretary, issued a statement titled, ‘Fayose’s hypocrisy exposed’, on Friday in Ado Ekiti. He said, “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 turn a national tragedy into a platform for political mischief.”

Fayose made his claims after the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers by gunmen in some local government areas of Oyo State. He suggested that the state government orchestrated the abductions to embarrass Tinubu.

He spoke about this on a televised programme, questioning how the Oyo State Government responded to the incident and hinting that political motives might have influenced its actions.

But Atofarati responded, “The Southwest PDP urges Nigerians to reject attempts to use insecurity for political gain. We stand firmly with the government and people of Oyo State during this tough time and commend Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to the security and welfare of the people.”

He added, “Security challenges need responsible leadership, national unity and true collaboration, not inflammatory claims from those whose political positions depend on personal interests.”

Atofarati also pointed out Fayose’s hypocrisy when looking at what has happened in his Ekiti home state. He noted that Fayose remained silent about the abduction and ongoing captivity of 16 worshippers for over a 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 are still in captivity.”

He mentioned that Eda-Oniyo is only about 30 minutes away from Afao-Ekiti, Fayose’s hometown. Yet, he did not accuse Governor Biodun Oyebanji of negligence or ask the state government about the worsening security situation. Instead, while innocent citizens were still held captive, Fayose was busy with his political tour supporting Governor Oyebanji’s re-election.

Atofarati said, “Most disturbing was his recent visit to Ilawe-Ekiti, within Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, where he met and interacted with APC members and political leaders to support his campaign for the APC governor. At no time during his visit did he show any concern for the victims of the Eda-Oniyo attack or call for urgent action from the government.”

He added, “This selective outrage shows 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 political calculations.”

Atofarati questioned Fayose’s political integrity. He claimed to be a PDP leader in Ekiti State but is one of the loudest supporters of Governor Oyebanji’s re-election under the APC.

He continued, “Also, Fayose helped his own son run under the APC platform and works hard for the success of a party he claims not to belong to. Nigerians and PDP members have a right to ask: How can a self-proclaimed PDP leader campaign for the APC while saying he owns the PDP? This behavior contradicts every principle of party loyalty and political integrity.”

He pointed out, “Fayose started campaigning for Oyebanji’s second term just months after the new government took office. One must wonder what fair assessment would justify such support so soon. Certainly not performance or fulfilled promises. The truth is clear to observant people.”

He concluded, “It is sad that the idea once called “stomach infrastructure” seems to have turned into a politics focused only on personal interests. Instead of standing with victims of insecurity and demanding solutions from those in power, Fayose has opted for political distortion and opportunism.”

The Southwest PDP praised former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, for his leadership, fairness and commitment to the unity of the PDP. They urged him, “as one of the party’s respected leaders in the zone, to talk to Ayo Fayose to change his ways and stop actions that harm the party's interests.”

Atofarati added, “Leaders should strengthen the institutions they helped create, not weaken them for short-term political gain.”