A 2023 statement by former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose rejecting the idea of serving under an APC-led administration has resurfaced following his appointment as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) board by President Bola Tinubu.
An old statement by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, in which he said he would rather remain at home than work for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has resurfaced on social media following his appointment as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu on Monday approved the appointment of Fayose and 25 others into the boards and management of 10 federal agencies and commissions, with the former governor emerging as chairman of the REA board.
Shortly after the announcement, Nigerians began circulating clips and excerpts from Fayose’s previous interviews, particularly one in which he insisted he had no interest in accepting an appointment under the APC-led Federal Government.
What Fayose previously said
The resurfaced comments date back to a July 2023 interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
During that interview, Fayose acknowledged supporting Bola Tinubu’s presidential bid but maintained that he was not seeking political patronage.
When asked whether he would accept a ministerial appointment if offered one, Fayose replied:
“I will never accept it.”
He explained that his support for Tinubu was based on personal conviction rather than expectations of political office.
Months later, in another television interview, Fayose reiterated a similar position, revealing that Tinubu had informally asked what appointment he would like, but he declined.
According to him:
“At 65, I’d rather be at home… I’ve served well. Two-time governor, I’ve done well.”
Tinubu appoints Fayose REA board chairman
Despite those earlier remarks, the Presidency has now appointed Fayose as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency Board.
The appointment was announced alongside those of 25 other individuals into boards and management positions across several federal agencies as part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen public institutions.
The REA is responsible for expanding electricity access to underserved and off-grid communities through rural electrification projects and renewable energy initiatives.
Social media reactions
Following the announcement, users on X, Facebook and other social media platforms began contrasting Fayose’s previous statements with his new appointment.
Some described the development as a contradiction of his earlier position, while others argued that serving as a board chairman differs from accepting a ministerial or partisan political appointment.
As of the time of filing this report, Fayose has not publicly addressed the resurfaced comments or explained whether his position has changed since making those remarks.
Political relationship with Tinubu
Although Fayose remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he has maintained a cordial relationship with President Tinubu for several years.
He openly backed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election despite his party fielding another candidate and has repeatedly described the President as a longtime friend.
The appointment is therefore viewed by some political observers as a continuation of that relationship, though reactions remain divided.
- Verified: Tinubu appointed Ayo Fayose as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board.
- Verified: Fayose previously stated in televised interviews that he would not accept an appointment under the APC-led government.
- Not established: Fayose has not publicly explained the apparent change following his latest appointment at the time of publication.