Ayodele Fayose says backing President Tinubu while in PDP is not anti-party activity, stressing national interest over party loyalty
Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose has stated that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not constitute anti-party activity.
The Fayose Tinubu support PDP comment was made during the PDP national convention in Abuja, where he emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interest over strict party loyalty.
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Fayose argued that democracy allows individuals within political parties to hold differing opinions on national issues without necessarily being penalized or expelled.
He suggested that political affiliation should not prevent individuals from acknowledging leadership they believe is effective.
He further explained that loyalty to one’s country should come before allegiance to a political party, noting that citizens are first defined by their identity as Nigerians or their state of origin before their party membership.
To support his position, Fayose referenced examples from international politics, arguing that even in advanced democracies, former leaders and party members sometimes take positions that differ from their party’s mainstream stance without facing sanctions.
He also stressed that competence should be a key factor in political support, stating that individuals should be willing to support capable leaders regardless of party lines when necessary.
Fayose’s remarks highlight ongoing debates within Nigeria’s political space about party discipline, internal democracy, and the balance between loyalty to a party and broader national considerations.
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His comments come at a time when political alignments and cross-party endorsements continue to generate discussions ahead of future elections.
