Oyebanji, Arise tussle over alleged plan to impose Ekiti North candidate

By Boye Oyeyemi 

A political rift appears to be emerging between Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and a former senator, Ayo Arise, over an alleged move to impose a candidate on the people of Ekiti North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to speculations, there is a plot to ensure the emergence of federal lawmakers in the ruling party through a consensus arrangement, a development believed to be capable of sidelining other aspirants.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Arise rejected any plan to impose a candidate, insisting that the process must remain transparent and inclusive. “The terms are very clear. It’s either consensus or direct primaries. Some people believe the governor can simply handpick candidates through his appointees, but that is not acceptable,” he said.

He, however, noted that the governor had publicly denied involvement in such arrangements, even as some individuals allegedly continue to invoke his name. “The governor has said he has no hand in it, but we still see people dropping his name here and there. I have made it clear that nobody should bring any name to my senatorial district because I am contesting,” Arise added.

The former lawmaker subsequently dismissed claims that his ambition was being resisted due to perceived backing from a former governor of the state, indicating that such claims were false and malicious.

While questioning the performance of the current representation in the district, he stressed the need for accountability to the electorate, warning against any attempt to impose the incumbent senator.

Arise further cautioned that any move seeking to impose a candidate may have political consequences for the governor ahead of the next governorship election.

Based on the Electoral Act, political parties are provided with the option of adopting either direct primaries or consensus when selecting candidates for elections.