Former Ayodele Fayose has defended his decision to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. Speaking at the party’s national convention in Abuja, Fayose said national interest should always come before party loyalty.

He explained that political disagreements are normal in any democracy, stressing that individuals can hold different views without being accused of anti-party actions. According to him, supporting a leader based on performance should not be seen as betrayal.

Fayose argued that Nigerians must prioritize competence when choosing leaders rather than blindly following party lines. He insisted that the country’s progress should be the main focus for every politician and citizen.

To support his point, the former governor referenced global political practices, noting that even in established democracies, politicians sometimes support leaders outside their party without facing sanctions.

He further stated that being from a particular state or region comes before party affiliation, urging politicians to think beyond party politics when making decisions that affect the nation.

Fayose concluded by reaffirming that his stance is rooted in his belief in good governance, adding that political maturity requires openness, tolerance, and a willingness to put Nigeria first.