In a scathing assessment of his own party's health, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a political "swamp" that is fundamentally broken and losing credibility as the 2027 general elections approach.
PDP in Crisis: A Foundation Built on a Swamp
Fayose, known for his outspoken views, made these explosive remarks during an interview with Arise TV on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He argued that the party's deep-seated internal conflicts, unresolved legal battles, and lack of recognition from the electoral body have crippled its unity and legitimacy.
"You cannot build a house on a faulty foundation. You can't build a house on a swamp. The PDP is already a swamp," Fayose stated bluntly. He emphasized that the party's internal disputes and leadership tussles have eroded its coherence and moral authority to the point where key institutions and stakeholders no longer view it as a viable, unified platform.
Fayose Points to Factionalism and INEC Recognition Issues
The former governor questioned the party's disciplinary framework, highlighting inconsistencies in handling anti-party activities. "Where is the PDP today? You don't joke with anti-party, yet you can't expel people," he said, suggesting that the party's inaction is a clear sign of serious trouble.
He also pointed to specific operational failures, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) no longer recognizes certain PDP structures in states like Ekiti and Osun due to internal wrangling. "When names were submitted to INEC, they were not published. That tells you something is fundamentally wrong. Matters are in court and unresolved. If elections hold tomorrow, what happens?" Fayose asked, painting a picture of a party unprepared for electoral contests.
Major Defections Loom: Makinde and Bala Mohammed Tipped to Exit
In one of the most striking parts of his interview, Fayose publicly predicted that two sitting PDP governors are on their way out of the party. He named Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, as likely defectors.
"I want to say this publicly again: Governor Makinde and Governor Bala will move," Fayose declared. While acknowledging Makinde's previous tough stance on party loyalty, Fayose insisted that political survival often trumps rhetoric. "We are politicians. We talk tough, but politics is about substance and survival," he added, indicating that the governors may be forced to switch allegiance by the prevailing political realities.
Fayose further claimed that the party is experiencing a silent exodus, alleging that many prominent figures, including its 2023 vice-presidential candidate and even former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have effectively abandoned the PDP. He likened the party's state to a torn piece of cloth, useless to both sides of the divide.
Fayose Defends Cross-Party Alliances, Puts Nation First
During the interview, Fayose also defended his history of cooperating with leaders from other parties, notably President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that his support for the President has always been open and that governance should transcend blind partisan loyalty.
"I have never hidden my support for the President. Even when I was in office, I visited him openly," he said. Drawing a parallel with advanced democracies, Fayose argued that patriotism should come before party affiliation: "In America, leaders disagree with their president openly. That doesn't make them less patriotic. Nigeria first, state first, before party."
Fayose's damning critique is expected to intensify debates about the PDP's future. With the 2027 election cycle drawing nearer, analysts predict that the party may face more high-profile defections and a significant realignment of political forces unless it can urgently resolve its internal crises and present a solid, united front to the electorate.
