The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has criticised former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over his allegation that the recent bandit attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was orchestrated by Governor Seyi Makinde to blackmail President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Friday in Ado Ekiti by its Zonal Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the party described Fayose’s remarks as “reckless, insensitive and politically dangerous.”

The PDP said the comments were “irresponsible and provocative,” especially at a time when Nigerians are being killed and abducted across various parts of the country.

According to the statement, the party urged Nigerians to reject attempts to politicise insecurity, adding that Governor Makinde remained committed to addressing security challenges in Oyo State.

“We stand firmly with the government and people of Oyo State in this difficult moment and commend Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering commitment to the security and welfare of the people,” the statement read.

The South-West PDP also accused Fayose of double standards, alleging that he had remained silent over insecurity incidents in his home state of Ekiti, including the reported abduction of worshippers in Eda-Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area.

It further claimed that Fayose had not publicly condemned the incident or demanded accountability from the Ekiti State Government.

The party also questioned Fayose’s political loyalty, accusing him of openly supporting the re-election bid of the incumbent APC governor in Ekiti while still identifying as a PDP leader.

“Such conduct represents a fundamental contradiction that undermines every principle of party loyalty, political integrity and ideological consistency,” the statement added.

The PDP called on respected party leaders in the region to intervene, urging former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to prevail on Fayose to reconsider his public statements and actions.

The party stressed that political leaders must prioritise national unity and support efforts to address insecurity rather than engage in divisive rhetoric.