Ayodele Fayose rejects Tinubu’s appointment, rules out joining APC, says PDP is dead, and hails Peter Obi as the only true voice of opposition.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has revealed why he turned down an appointment offer from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he is no longer interested in partisan politics. The outspoken politician emphasized that at 65, he prefers to focus on his personal life and other meaningful engagements rather than chase political positions.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Ayodele Fayose disclosed that President Tinubu had personally asked him what position he would like in the current administration, but he declined the offer respectfully.
> “Asiwaju asked me, ‘Oshoko, what would we give you?’ and I said, ‘Nothing, sir,’” Fayose recounted. “At 65, I would rather be at home, take responsibility for my personal life, and do other things I need to do. I have served my state as a two-term governor, and I’m content with what I have achieved.”
Despite describing President Bola Tinubu as “a friend and brother,” Fayose made it clear that their personal relationship should not be mistaken for political alignment. He maintained that friendship does not equate to membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
> “I respect President Tinubu deeply, but that does not mean I am joining the APC,” Fayose said. “We have known each other for many years, and mutual respect doesn’t mean I share his party ideology. I am done with partisan politics.”
In a scathing criticism of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose declared that the once-dominant opposition platform is “dead” and beyond revival. He lamented the internal divisions and leadership crises that have plagued the PDP since its loss of national power in 2015, saying the party has completely lost relevance.
“Let me tell you the truth—the PDP is gone,” he asserted. “I will not be among those pretending that it can be resurrected. The party is a shadow of its old self. Many of its leaders are already in talks with the APC because they no longer believe the PDP can win elections.”
He also defended President Bola Tinubu over the recent defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the APC, stating that it would be unfair to accuse the President of being behind the collapse of the PDP. Fayose argued that the party’s internal decay made such defections inevitable.
“You can’t blame the President for what is happening in the PDP. The truth is that the party failed to unite itself. It has been disorganized for too long, and what we are seeing now is the natural outcome of that failure,” he added.
In assessing Nigeria’s political landscape, Ayodele Fayose said the only opposition figure still commanding public trust and attention is Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to him, Obi has remained relevant and influential despite not holding any government position.
“Ayodele Fayose rejects Tinubu’s appointment, rules out joining APC, says PDP is dead, and hails Peter Obi as the only true voice of opposition.The only opposition voice that still resonates with Nigerians is Peter Obi,” Fayose said.
“People don’t listen to Atiku or the others anymore. Obi connects with the youth and ordinary people; that’s why he still has massive support.”
The former governor further explained that his decision to withdraw from active politics was not out of frustration but personal conviction. He said after decades of political battles, leadership roles, and controversies, he now wishes to focus on private life, mentorship, and social impact projects outside government.
“I have been in politics since I was young. I have seen it all—victories, betrayals, and disappointments. Now I want to live peacefully and make my contribution to society outside partisan lines,” he stated.
Political observers note that Fayose’s comments mirror a growing trend among seasoned politicians who are stepping back from active politics to allow younger Nigerians to take the lead.
His declaration that the PDP is “dead” adds to the internal tension within the opposition, already struggling to define a coherent path forward ahead of future elections.
While his exit from partisan politics may surprise some, Fayose remains one of Nigeria’s most vocal and fearless political figures. Throughout his career, he was known for his populist style, grassroots connection, and readiness to challenge authority, even at personal risk.
As the political atmosphere in Nigeria continues to evolve, Ayodele Fayose’s decision to step away from active politics signals a generational and ideological shift. His remarks also underline the current dominance of the APC and the struggle of opposition parties to stay relevant.
“I have played my part. Nigeria will always have leaders and followers, but it’s time for me to focus on being more responsible in other areas of life,” Fayose concluded. “Let tomorrow take care of itself.”
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