Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti state, says he will work against Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, in the next governorship election.
Fayose spoke during an interview with Channels Television at his residence in Ekiti state.
‘Makinde destroyed South-West PDP’
The former governor accused Makinde of undermining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the south-west.
According to him, the Oyo governor dismantled his political structures and failed to accord him the respect due to a former governor.
“I became a lion against Seyi Makinde when he messed up,” Fayose said.
“I’m very happy. And may I say to you again, in the coming Oyo election, we will work against him.”
Furthermore, Fayose said Makinde’s actions left him with no choice but to oppose him politically.
“I just told you how Makinde destroyed the South-West PDP, took all my structures, and did a lot that is not fair in party politics,” he said.
‘If you want to take my head, I will take your head’
Meanwhile, Fayose said politics requires mutual respect among party leaders.
He argued that Makinde failed to show him the courtesy expected of a serving governor toward a former governor.
“When we are in politics, we are meant to be fair and respect each other,” he said.
“I’m a former governor. He’s the serving governor.”
“Courtesy demands that if you’re not sour, I will give you right of way. If you want to take my head, I will take your head.”
‘I’ve already started’
When asked if he had declared political war against the Oyo governor, Fayose insisted he had already begun mobilising against him.
“Fire is already there. I’ve started,” he said.
However, he maintained that the outcome would be determined at the polls.
“There’s time to test that,” he added.
Fayose cites Oyo roots
The former governor also highlighted his long-standing ties to Oyo state.
According to him, he was born in Ibadan and still enjoys political relationships across the state.
“I was born in Ibadan. I was born at Adeoyo Hospital in Ibadan,” he said.
“My father used to live at Salehusi.”
‘Don’t mistake crowds for votes’
Fayose dismissed suggestions that Makinde’s popularity guarantees electoral success.
He warned politicians against equating large crowds with victory at the polls.
“When you see a crowd, don’t measure it as a result of an election,” he said.
“When they clap for you, don’t imagine it as victory.”
“The more you see, the more you look, the less you see.”
Fayose also accused Makinde of betraying members of the G5 governors’ group and pursuing personal political ambitions at the expense of party loyalty.
“He has a right to contest for president, but you don’t betray trust,” he said.
