The Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for his recent comments regarding the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Fayose alleged that the attack may have been orchestrated by Governor Seyi Makinde to blackmail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fayose Accused of Double Standards
In a statement issued by the party's Southwest Zonal Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the PDP described Fayose's remarks as reckless, insensitive, and politically dangerous. The party noted that such statements expose Fayose's glaring double standards on insecurity, political morality, and public accountability at a time when Nigerians are suffering from criminal attacks across the country.
Hypocrisy Highlighted
The PDP pointed out that Fayose's hypocrisy is evident when considering recent events in his home state of Ekiti. Armed men attacked a church in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, killing a visiting pastor and abducting several worshippers who remain in captivity. Eda-Oniyo is barely thirty minutes away from Afao-Ekiti, Fayose's hometown. Yet, Fayose neither accused Governor Biodun Oyebanji of negligence nor demanded answers from the state government regarding the deteriorating security situation.
Furthermore, during his recent appearance in Ilawe-Ekiti, within Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, Fayose openly met and fraternized with APC members and political leaders to campaign for the APC governor. At no point did he demonstrate empathy for the victims of the Eda-Oniyo attack or use his platform to demand urgent action from the government.
Selective Outrage and Partisan Calculations
The PDP stated that this selective outrage confirms that Fayose's criticisms are driven by partisan calculations rather than concern for victims of insecurity. The party also questioned Fayose's political morality, noting that he still claims to be the leader of the PDP in Ekiti State while actively advocating for Governor Oyebanji's re-election under the APC. Additionally, Fayose successfully fielded his biological son under the APC platform and continues to work for the electoral success of a party he claims not to belong to.
Call for Responsible Leadership
The Southwest PDP urged Nigerians to reject attempts to weaponize insecurity for partisan advantage. The party expressed solidarity with the government and people of Oyo State and commended Governor Seyi Makinde's unwavering commitment to security and welfare. The statement emphasized that security challenges require responsible leadership, national unity, and sincere collaboration, not inflammatory allegations from individuals whose political positions shift according to personal interests.
