Tension Brews in Ekiti PDP Over Upcoming Congresses

Babatunji Wusu –

• A potential clash looms between loyalists of former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose and the PDP Caretaker Committee over the state congresses.
• The Caretaker Committee has stated that Fayose’s supporters who hold positions in the APC government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji will be disqualified from participating.
• The congresses are scheduled for January and February 2025, with a focus on unifying party members and avoiding distractions.
• Fayose’s loyalists, however, insist that they will participate and win the congresses, citing their political strength.

Tensions are rising within the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party prepares for its upcoming congresses to elect substantive officers. Loyalists of former Governor Ayodele Fayose are reportedly at odds with the Caretaker Committee of the PDP over their participation in the congresses.

The PDP Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Dare Adeleke, has announced that those loyal to Fayose and currently holding appointments in the APC-led government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji will be barred from participating in the congresses. The committee’s stance stems from its insistence on holding a unified, distraction-free congress, with elections set for January 18, 2025 (ward congress), February 1 (local government congress), and February 18 (state congress).

Adeleke clarified that the congresses would not accommodate factions or groups, but would be open to any party members who are committed to the party’s success. He emphasized that individuals with APC appointments would be disqualified, even if they had submitted congress forms.

Despite this, Omolade Bolarinwa, a member of Fayose’s faction, strongly disagreed with the caretaker committee’s position. He asserted that Fayose’s loyalists would participate and secure victory in the congresses, challenging the legitimacy of the Caretaker Committee’s authority to conduct the congresses. Bolarinwa emphasized that the congresses are under the control of the national body, not the state committee, and expressed confidence that Fayose’s political acumen would ensure success.

As the congresses approach, the rift between these two factions is expected to intensify, raising questions about the future unity and leadership of the Ekiti PDP.