Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has revealed that he repeatedly turned down invitations from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on his political career, his interactions with APC leaders, and the political trajectory of Ekiti State, Fayose disclosed that top party leaders made multiple efforts to convince him to join their ranks.
High-Stakes Defection Offers from Tinubu and Buhari
According to Fayose, the political overtures came at distinct periods during his time in office and immediately afterward. He noted that former President Buhari directly invited him to join the APC, an offer he firmly rejected.
Around eight years ago, during the transition period leading up to Kayode Fayemi’s second term as governor, Tinubu also personally reached out to urge him into the APC fold.
Key details revealed by Fayose include:
High-Level Meetings: Party leaders arranged a meeting between Fayose and the then-National Chairman of the APC to persuade him to switch allegiances, but he maintained his stance against working with the Buhari administration.
Control of State Structure: APC leaders offered to hand over political control of the APC structure in Ekiti State to him if he agreed to defect, an offer he ultimately declined.
Political Struggles, Physical Injuries, and Endorsement of Oyebanji
Reflecting on his tenure as governor, Fayose shared that his seven and a half years in power were marked by persistent political unrest and conflict.
He admitted to feeling deep disappointment when his political faction lost control of Ekiti State following his exit from office. The intense political battles that ensued led to physical injuries, leaving him with a lasting spine condition sustained during the election struggle.
However, the former governor stated that his perspective has shifted over time, offering strong praise for the current Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. Fayose described Oyebanji’s leadership as a stabilizing force that has brought peace and a fresh direction to the state.
Addressing the sitting governor, Fayose stated:
“I was governor for seven and a half years; I never had peace. The state was governed in turmoil and confusion. Tinubu called me and told me to come and join APC. I said I won’t join. When Buhari was there, he told me I should come. I said I’m not coming… They said they would leave the state for me. Don’t leave it. If they had left the state for me, I didn’t know Oyebanji would come.â€
“Whichever way, I wasn’t happy that the state was taken from me. I wasn’t happy at all. I fought. I was equally injured. All the problem I had with my spine was as a result of that election. But today, God who sees tomorrow has produced you for me.â€
