Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is “dead,” attributing its collapse to internal crises, disunity, and weak leadership.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Fayose said the party’s decline was evident in the exodus of key members and its inability to resolve lingering internal disputes.

“A year ago, I said the PDP was in trouble, and if they didn’t find a solution on time, the party would be dead  and the party is dead now,” he said. “The PDP is in a coma; its major players have left, and no one seems ready to revive it.”

Fayose lamented that the defection of prominent figures reflected the depth of the crisis, questioning who could “save Jerusalem when those meant to save it have jumped out of the water.”

His remarks came amid fresh legal battles over the PDP’s planned national convention. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restrained the party from holding the convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, following a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.

Lamido alleged that he was unlawfully denied the opportunity to purchase the chairmanship nomination form. Justice Lifu ruled that the PDP failed to publish a convention timetable as required by law, warning that neglecting due process could lead to anarchy.

Fayose also faulted the Oyo State High Court for granting temporary approval for the convention despite the Federal High Court’s restraining order. “When has a state court become an appellate court?” he asked, warning that judicial irregularities could worsen the PDP’s woes.

The PDP has been embroiled in months of internal strife marked by factional suspensions, leadership tussles, and mass defections. Four governors  Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Peter Mbah (Enugu)  have reportedly defected to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The rift between acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu has further deepened divisions within the party, with both camps suspending each other’s loyalists.

In July, former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar resigned from the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences. He has since opened coalition talks under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form a new opposition alliance against the ruling APC.