Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has openly reaffirmed his opposition to any future presidential bid by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating he would work against him again if he contests in 2027.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Fayose said,

“I publicly worked against Atiku, and I am saying for the second time, if Atiku comes again, I will work against him. It is time to learn our lesson.”

Fayose blamed the lingering crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on its controversial decision to zone the 2023 presidential ticket to the North, despite the region having produced the outgoing president at the time.

“After eight years of a Northerner, it is the turn of a Southerner  East, South-West, or South-South. Those who zoned power back to the North caused all these problems,” he said.

The former governor stressed that it wasn’t about personal preference for candidates but about maintaining equity through power rotation.

“You don’t have to like a Nyesom Wike or a Peter Obi, but there should be an unwritten, respected gentleman’s understanding of power shift.”

Reiterating his stance from 2024, Fayose said:

“Don’t get it wrong. I worked against him (Atiku) 100 per cent. Nigeria is bigger than PDP or APC.”

He further criticized the PDP for internal failures and lack of discipline.

“The party must be equitable, the party must be accountable. A party or parent that is irresponsible will produce irresponsible children  they will produce rebellion, they will produce anger.”

Looking to the future beyond President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Fayose stated emphatically:

“After Asiwaju’s tenure  if God gives him a second term  a Southerner must emerge. I will be about 70 then, and I will say it boldly: a Southerner must be President.”

Fayose’s comments add to the growing debate on zoning and political equity as Nigeria gradually approaches the next election cycle.