Fayose’s ‘I Would Rather Stay At Home Than Work Under APC,’ Remark Resurfaces

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency(REA), less than a year after publicly declaring that he had no interest in serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The appointment, announced on Monday, appears to mark a sharp departure from Fayose’s earlier position that he would rather remain at home than accept any role under the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

President Tinubu approved Fayose’s appointment as part of 26 new appointments to the boards of 10 federal government agencies and commissions, according to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced 26 new appointments to 10 federal government agencies and commissions, with the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, emerging as chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency.”

Fayose, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, had on October 15, 2025, revealed during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, that Tinubu had previously offered him a position, which he declined.

The former governor said he had no intention of returning to public office after serving two terms as Ekiti governor.

“Have you seen me taking an appointment from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘What would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir.’

“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,” Fayose had said.

He also maintained that while he enjoyed a longstanding personal relationship with Tinubu, it did not amount to political alignment with the APC.

“I’ve not been with APC, but I’ve been Asiwaju’s friend and brother for a long time. That is the truth,” he said.

Fayose further explained at the time that his comments on national issues were guided by personal conviction rather than any expectation of political patronage or appointments.

His acceptance of the chairmanship of the Rural Electrification Agency now represents a significant shift from that publicly stated position, making him one of the latest opposition figures to take up a federal appointment under the Tinubu administration.