Osun Poll, Tinubu Magnanimous, Ekiti Was Taken From Me in 2018, Says Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described President Bola Tinubu as “magnanimous” for allowing the August 15 Osun governorship election to proceed without federal interference.

Fayose made the remark on Tuesday while speaking on TVC News, in reaction to comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he could have helped the APC win the election if President Tinubu wanted victory “at all costs”.

He said the closeness of the election showed that the outcome could have gone either way, while congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke and urging him to be magnanimous in victory.

Fayose, however, contrasted the Osun election with the 2018 Ekiti governorship poll, alleging that the Federal Government used its influence to undermine his administration and prevent his re-election.

“Ekiti was taken from me in 2018. By all means possible. Those features did not play out in Ede,” he said.

The former governor alleged that his security details were withdrawn three days before the 2018 election and that he was prevented from leaving the Government House in Ado Ekiti.

He further claimed that security personnel assaulted him when he attempted to leave the premises, saying the incident resulted in injuries that required several medical procedures.

Fayose said the circumstances surrounding the Osun election demonstrated a different approach by the Tinubu administration.

He commended the President for allowing Nigerians’ votes to count, saying the development showed that credible elections were possible under the current administration.

The former governor also dismissed concerns that Tinubu’s appointments of the INEC chairman, Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Army Staff could be used to manipulate elections.

He said what mattered was the President’s “body language”, which he described as supportive of democratic processes.

Fayose also rejected suggestions that his support for Tinubu and his appointment as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency board meant he was preparing to defect to the APC.

He said his support for the administration was based on his desire to contribute to Nigeria’s development rather than personal political interests.