Oyo Abduction: South-West PDP Slams Fayose Over Claims Against Makinde

The South-West leadership of the PDP has strongly condemned former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose for suggesting that the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State could have been arranged to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.

The party described the allegation as inappropriate and harmful, saying it was wrong to introduce politics into a security crisis that has caused pain to many families. According to the PDP, the focus should remain on rescuing the victims and improving security rather than making accusations without evidence.

The controversy followed comments made by Fayose during a television programme, where he questioned the handling of the abduction incident and suggested that political interests may have played a role in the situation. His remarks sparked criticism from members of his party across the South-West region.

In its response, the PDP said insecurity remains a national challenge that requires cooperation and responsible leadership from all stakeholders. The party maintained that turning such incidents into political battles does not help victims or their families.

The party also defended Governor Seyi Makinde, stating that his administration has continued to work toward protecting residents and responding to security threats in the state. It said efforts should be directed at supporting authorities rather than spreading claims capable of creating further division.

The PDP further accused Fayose of applying different standards when reacting to security issues. The party pointed to a recent attack in Ekiti State where worshippers were abducted and a visiting pastor was reportedly killed. According to the party, Fayose did not publicly direct similar criticism at the Ekiti State Government over that incident.

The South-West PDP argued that the former governor remained largely silent while some of the victims in Ekiti continued to be held by their captors. It added that during the same period, Fayose was actively involved in political activities connected to the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The party also questioned Fayose’s political position, noting that although he still identifies with the PDP, he has openly supported the re-election bid of Governor Oyebanji of the APC. It further pointed to the emergence of his son on the APC platform as another issue raising concerns among party members.

According to the PDP, such actions have created confusion about Fayose’s loyalty to the opposition party. The party said many members now find it difficult to reconcile his claim of being a PDP leader with his public support for APC candidates and programmes.

The South-West PDP also expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of political conduct driven by personal interests rather than party principles. It argued that political leaders should stand with victims of insecurity and support efforts to address security challenges rather than engage in accusations that may worsen tensions.

The party used the opportunity to commend former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, for his continued commitment to unity within the PDP. It appealed to him to help persuade Fayose to reconsider actions and statements that, in its view, have continued to create problems within the party.

The PDP concluded by urging its members and the public to focus on unity, responsible leadership and collective efforts to tackle insecurity instead of allowing political disagreements to overshadow the suffering of affected communities.