Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has accepted an appointment from President Bola Tinubu, a move that contradicts a public declaration he made just months ago in which he flatly refused any role in the current administration. Fayose, a longstanding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made his position clear on October 15, 2025, during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today programme.
Fayose's Earlier Refusal
During the interview, Fayose stated that Tinubu had personally asked what position could be offered to him, and his response was an outright refusal. "Have you seen me taking an appointment from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, 'What would we give you?' I said, 'Nothing, sir,'" Fayose said at the time. According to The Punch, Fayose went further, saying age and a sense of fulfilment guided his decision. "At 65, I'd rather be at home, being more responsible, doing other things that I need to do. I've served well. Two-time governor, I've done well. Tomorrow will hold itself," he added.
Shift Towards APC
Fayose's acceptance of a government role marks a significant change in his political direction. In the period leading up to the appointment, Fayose had visibly thrown his support behind APC candidates in the recent Ekiti state governorship election and other parts of the country, a departure from his earlier posture as a critic of the ruling party. His critics had already begun questioning the sincerity of his earlier statements, pointing to his campaigning for APC candidates as a sign that a formal alignment with the Tinubu administration was imminent.
Family Criticism
The appointment has also drawn criticism from within the former governor's own family. His brother, Isaac Fayose, publicly faulted him over the decision, adding a personal dimension to the controversy surrounding the reversal. The development has reignited debate about the consistency of opposition politicians in Nigeria, particularly those who make strong public declarations against the ruling party only to later accept appointments from the same administration they previously criticised.
Fayose's Prediction on Ekiti Election
Legit.ng earlier reported that the people of Ekiti were set to elect a new governor in the Saturday governorship election. The race was between 16 governorship candidates, including the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The Ekiti governorship election was expected to have a turnout of 1,059,360 registered voters, an increase of 66,000 compared to the 2022 governorship elections.
