The drama unfolding in Ekiti State, Nigeria, bears an uncanny resemblance to the biblical tale of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus Christ.

Former Governor Ayodele Fayose, has been accused of betraying his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his own blood brother.

The plot thickens with Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, Ayo’s brother, publicly denouncing his endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Emmanuel Fayose boldly declared, “I don’t need my brother’s support to defeat Gov Oyebanji,” showcasing a clear rift between the two brothers.

Ayo Fayose’s history is marred by controversy, including allegations of vote-rigging and corruption. His impeachment in 2006 and subsequent reelection in 2014 have been subject to intense scrutiny.

The situation in Ekiti State serves as a poignant reminder that, in politics, loyalty is often a fleeting concept, and even family ties can be tested by ambition and power struggles.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Otunba Fayose condemned the former governor’s decision to back an APC governor instead of working to strengthen the PDP.

“I am still at a loss about why a PDP chieftain will be endorsing a governor elected on another platform, APC.

“This is nothing but acting in bad faith and a betrayal of trust, considering what former governor Mr Ayodele Fayose has benefitted from the PDP in the past. Rather than build the party, he is busy destroying it,” he stated.

It should be recalled that, Otunba Fayose, who is vying for the PDP governorship ticket ahead of the 2026 Ekiti election, urged party leaders to unite behind his candidacy to “rescue Ekiti State from louse governance” under the ruling APC.

Despite the internal party rift, he expressed confidence that the PDP will win the election, adding that the Oyebanji administration has failed abysmally.