Fayose Vows to Oppose Atiku Again in 2027

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has restated his firm opposition to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s quest for the Nigerian presidency. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Fayose declared that he would work against Atiku’s candidacy if he decides to contest in the 2027 presidential election.

“I publicly worked against Atiku, and I am saying for the second time, if Atiku comes again, I will work against him. It is time to learn our lesson,” Fayose asserted. His statement underscores the lingering divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the 2023 general elections, where Atiku’s candidacy drew sharp criticisms over issues of zoning and regional equity.

Zoning Crisis at the Heart of PDP’s Troubles

Fayose blamed the internal crisis currently plaguing the PDP on the party’s decision to ignore its long-standing zoning arrangement. He argued that after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, the 2023 presidential ticket should have rotated to the South. According to him, sidelining the South in favor of Atiku, another Northerner, was a grave political miscalculation that fractured the party.

“After eight years of a Northerner, it is the turn of a Southerner, which could involve someone from the East, South West or South South,” Fayose said. “Those who gave or zoned power back to the North caused all these problems.” He emphasized that zoning is not merely a constitutional formality but a vital mechanism to ensure fairness and maintain national cohesion within the PDP.

The Need for Respected Gentlemen’s Agreements Says Ayodele Fayose

Highlighting the importance of political balancing, Fayose stressed that even informal agreements about power-sharing must be respected to preserve party unity. He criticized the PDP leadership for failing to honor the gentleman’s understanding of power shift, which he believes worsened internal rifts and weakened the party’s national appeal.

“You don’t have to like a Nyesom Wike or a Peter Obi, but there should be an unwritten, respected gentleman understanding of power shift,” Fayose said. He warned that disregarding such principles would only deepen mistrust among party members and alienate crucial support bases, especially in the South.

Implications for PDP’s 2027 Strategy

Ayodele Fayose’s remarks are expected to further fuel the ongoing debates within the PDP regarding its future direction and leadership choices ahead of the 2027 general elections. His vocal stance adds to the mounting pressure on the party to revisit its zoning principles and address the grievances of its Southern bloc.

As the PDP grapples with efforts to mend internal divisions, Fayose’s declaration signals that the battle for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket could be as contentious as ever. Analysts believe that without an inclusive and transparent strategy that respects regional interests, the PDP risks deeper fragmentation and possible electoral setbacks.

A Divided House: Challenges Ahead for the PDP

The PDP has been battling waves of defections, internal discontent, and leadership tussles since its defeat in the 2023 polls. Fayose’s continued opposition to Atiku highlights the broader dissatisfaction within the party, particularly among influential Southern leaders who feel marginalized.

Party stakeholders are now faced with the urgent task of rebuilding trust and realigning party structures ahead of the next election cycle. Whether the PDP can successfully navigate these turbulent waters remains to be seen, but Fayose’s latest pronouncement makes one thing clear: healing the party’s wounds will require more than rhetoric — it will demand tangible commitment to fairness, equity, and genuine inclusiveness.