Former Governor of Ekiti State and prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has expressed serious concerns about the party’s direction, warning that the PDP may not even finish among the top three in the 2027 general elections. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose gave a blunt assessment of the party’s current state, stating that unless urgent changes are made, the PDP could come fourth — and only with the help of prayers.
Fayose attributed the party’s troubles to long-standing internal issues, including a lack of unity, ineffective leadership, the defection of key stakeholders, and an inability to offer a fresh, credible political vision that resonates with ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the PDP has lost the energy and purpose that once defined it, leaving behind only a hollow structure. He described the party as “embarrassing to associate with” in its present form, noting that it has grown too weak to challenge its rivals meaningfully.
While making a bold projection about the next presidential election, Fayose predicted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would secure the top spot, with Labour Party’s Peter Obi coming second and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) taking third place. In his words, “With more prayers, PDP might come fourth. Go and write it down.” He insisted that the way things stand, PDP has already compromised its position in several states and has failed to retain or attract influential political actors.
Despite his frustrations, Fayose maintained that he has no intention of leaving the PDP. However, he did not hide his disappointment with how the party has treated dedicated members like himself. “I’ve paid my dues in the PDP, especially in Ekiti. You cannot continue to treat someone like me as if I don’t matter and expect things to go smoothly,” he said. Still, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, stressing that if he ever chooses to walk away from politics, it will be the end of his partisan career — not a switch to another political platform. “I will never join APC, I won’t be part of ADC, and I won’t join the Labour Party either,” he added.
Fayose’s remarks reflect a deepening sense of disillusionment within the PDP ranks as Nigeria heads into another critical election season. His criticism could reignite internal conversations around reform and strategy, especially as the party continues to grapple with fading influence and rising competition. Whether the PDP can reinvent itself in time for 2027 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — according to Fayose, its current path leads only further into political obscurity.