A fresh crisis is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State following growing tension over the senatorial ticket for Ekiti North, as former Senator Ayo Arise has openly rejected what he described as an attempt to impose the incumbent lawmaker, Cyril Fasuyi, on the district.
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The contest for the party’s ticket has reportedly deepened divisions among key stakeholders, with Arise accusing Governor Biodun Oyebanji of backing Fasuyi ahead of the party’s primary.
Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, insisted that the party must follow due process in selecting its candidate, warning against any move to sideline other aspirants through endorsement or imposition.
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He maintained that the APC had already agreed that where consensus fails, all aspirants must participate in a transparent primary election.
Speaking on the development, Arise said he would not step down for Fasuyi under any circumstance, stressing that every aspirant deserves a fair opportunity to contest.
The development reflects broader trends in APC political updates across Nigeria.
He cited provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, noting that candidates must emerge either through consensus or through a credible voting process involving party members.
Arise cautioned Governor Oyebanji against openly supporting any aspirant, warning that such a move could have political consequences, particularly ahead of the governor’s re-election bid in June.
“Transferred aggression will come if you impose Fasuyi,” Arise said, adding that any attempt to force a candidate on the people could trigger backlash within the party’s support base.
He further argued that the governor does not necessarily need Fasuyi to serve as Director-General if he is not contesting, suggesting that political loyalty should not override fairness in the selection process.
The former senator also dismissed speculations linking his ambition to the influence of former Governor Kayode Fayemi. He described such claims as unfounded, insisting that he is financially and politically independent.
“I am not a hungry man. I don’t need anyone to sponsor me,” he said, distancing himself from any political godfatherism.
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Arise reiterated his confidence in securing the party’s ticket through a free and fair primary, expressing optimism about his chances based on his experience and grassroots support.
The unfolding situation highlights growing internal disagreements within the Ekiti APC as the race for the senatorial seat intensifies. Observers say how the party manages the process could play a significant role in determining its unity and electoral strength in the state.
Party leaders have yet to issue an official response to the allegations, but the developments signal a potentially contentious primary season ahead in Ekiti North.
