Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has revealed that he turned down an offer of appointment from President Bola Tinubu, citing a desire to focus on his personal life after decades in active politics.
Fayose made the revelation on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s current affairs programme ‘Politics Today’.
The former governor, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said although he maintains a long-standing personal relationship with President Tinubu, he has no intention of joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or taking up any political role under its government.
“Have you seen me taking appointments from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘What would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir,’” Fayose stated.
“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 stressed that his relationship with Tinubu predates party politics and is rooted in mutual respect rather than political alignment.
“I’ve not been with APC, but I’ve been Asiwaju’s friend and brother for a long time. That is the truth,” he added.
Turning to the 2027 general election, the former governor assessed the current state of opposition politics, declaring that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remains the only opposition figure with significant national traction capable of challenging the ruling APC.
“Tell me who would defeat APC? The only opposition that I know of in Nigeria, I am not saying that he will win Asiwaju, but the only person that has traction is Obi,” Fayose said.
“Despite not being in government, he is the only one talking and everywhere. I give it to him.”
Fayose further explained that his political decisions are guided by personal conviction and principle, not by the lure of political appointments or material gain.
He, however, declined to affirm whether Obi stands as a more formidable opposition figure than former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-minister Rotimi Amaechi, maintaining that his focus remained on playing a constructive role outside partisan appointments.
