A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Emmanuel Fayose, has publicly criticised his elder brother and former governor, Ayodele Fayose, for endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
At a mega rally held in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Ayodele Fayose donning a PDP-branded fez cap declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji, endorsing both leaders for second terms. His statement shocked many within the PDP fold, given his long-standing affiliation with the opposition party.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Emmanuel Fayose described the move as a “total betrayal” of the PDP and an embarrassment to the party’s loyal supporters in the state.
“I urge Ayodele Fayose to leave the PDP if he has nothing to contribute to the repositioning of the party and restoring it to its pride of place, rather than ridiculing himself in the public space,” Emmanuel said.
“My elder brother, former Governor Ayo Fayose, benefited immensely from the PDP and governed the state twice on the party’s platform. His recent endorsement of Governor Oyebanji amounts to a total betrayal of the PDP.”
He further criticised the involvement of other past governors who participated in the endorsement, describing the entire rally as a “charade” that lacked credibility and integrity.
“While acknowledging that the former governor has the right to take any political stance he deems
