A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said Governor Seyi Makinde risks expulsion from the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and could lose his political stronghold in Oyo State.
Mr Fayose, who spoke at the 2026 National Convention of the PDP, backed by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said the event marked a turning point for the main opposition party following its prolonged internal crisis.
“This convention is a new beginning for the party after the long battle. It is now clear that the party is on the verge of achieving its goals. After this convention, the door is now open to come except children of pardition.
“There are some children of pardition and whenever they say they will not listen until they go to pardition. Governor Seyi Makinde is one of those I’m referring to. With one hand he wants to negotiate and another hand he went to Supreme Court. We will not wait for him.
“He is already in suspension and after this convention Seyi Makinde will be expelled. Let it be reminded that my name is Ayo Fayose and I’m saying it public glare and again with the on goings he is sure to lose that election in Oyo state,” Mr Fayose added.
The former Ekiti governor, who aligned himself with Mr Wike, accused Mr Makinde of acting against the party’s interest.
According to Mr Fayose, the convention signals a fresh start for the PDP, adding that the party remains open to “sincere members” but will not tolerate those undermining its unity.
He accused Mr Makinde of engaging in contradictory actions, alleging that the Oyo governor was negotiating with the party while simultaneously pursuing legal action at the Supreme Court.
He also reaffirmed his support for Mr Wike, describing him as the party’s leader and commending his role in repositioning the PDP.
“So, this convention is open for the benefit of sincere PDP members and this party has a leadership and our national leader is Nyesom Wike and we are all celebrating him and thanking God for his life,” the ex-Ekiti governor said.
The crisis rocking the PDP deepened after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally recognised the faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP backed by Mr Wike.
The recognition comes amid deepening divisions and an internal crisis within the PDP, which has been split into two rival factions.
One of the factions, led by Kabiru Turaki and loyal to Mr Makinde, approached the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the Mr Wike-backed group from conducting the convention.
Despite the legal battle, the convention proceeded on Sunday, producing a new set of national officers.
