Ayodele Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, recently disclosed that he turned down a political appointment offered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. After many years in public office, Fayose expressed his preference to withdraw from active politics and concentrate on his personal affairs.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Fayose clarified that despite his enduring friendship with President Tinubu, he has no intention of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
“Have you ever seen me accept a position from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘What would we offer you?’ and I replied, ‘Nothing, sir.’ At 65, I prefer to stay at home, take on more personal responsibilities, and pursue other interests. I have served my time as a two-term governor. The future will unfold on its own,” Fayose remarked.
As a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose stressed that his friendship with the President is strictly personal and should not be interpreted as political support.
“I have never been part of the APC, but I have been a friend and brother to Asiwaju for many years. That is the reality,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Fayose evaluated the political environment, highlighting that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, stands out as the sole opposition figure with widespread national recognition and influence.
“Who else can challenge the APC? The only opposition leader I recognize in Nigeria is Obi. Even though he is not in government, he is the one making waves and being heard everywhere. I give him credit for that,” Fayose stated.
Known for his candid opinions, Fayose emphasized that his political insights are motivated by conviction rather than self-interest.
When asked to compare Obi’s current prominence with that of former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Fayose refrained from making direct comparisons, noting only that Obi is presently the most prominent opposition voice in Nigeria’s political arena.
