Tinubu wooed me to join APC

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu once invited him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), but he turned down the offer.

Fayose made the revelation during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television, on Friday.

The outspoken politician noted that despite being a member of the opposition, he has never hidden his admiration and respect for Tinubu, even during his time as Ekiti State governor.

“I recall very well that the president asked that I should come to APC and I said no,” Fayose said. “When the late Buhari seemed to be playing games, I was one of those who said this APC will do this or that, and the next thing, the now-president started dancing and singing.”

Fayose also recalled visiting Tinubu several times while in office, particularly when the APC leader suffered a knee injury. “I went there openly to say hello to him. He wasn’t president then; Buhari was,” he added.

The former governor further defended his consistent stance in politics, noting his role in the G-5 governors group. “I was part of the G-5. I wasn’t the only one; we had sitting governors. So, it’s not about trying to find my feet. I was very clear,” he stated.

He emphasized regional loyalty, suggesting that supporting a capable kinsman aspiring to the presidency is only natural. “When your kinsman wants to be president and he has the capacity, what should you do? Fight him? Throw him under the bus? I’ve always been like this,” Fayose explained.

He concluded by commending political unity in Ekiti State, saying, “Every former governor in Ekiti has their homesteads and supports the current governor. This is the first time such a thing is happening in Nigeria.”