Tinubu Allowed Free Contest in Osun Unlike 2018 Ekiti That Was Taken From Me – Ayo Fayose
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a more democratic approach to the recent Osun State governorship election.
Fayose said the Federal Government could have influenced the outcome of the August 15, 2026, Osun governorship election if it had wanted to, but instead allowed the people to determine the winner.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News, Fayose compared the Osun election with his experience during the 2018 Ekiti governorship election. He alleged that the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari used what he described as “federal might” against him.
“Ekiti was taken from me in 2018. By all means possible. Those features did not play out in Ede,” Fayose said.
Fayose alleged that three days before the 2018 election, security personnel surrounded the Ekiti State Government House and removed his security details. He also claimed that he was prevented from leaving the Government House to campaign.
According to the former governor, he was physically assaulted by security personnel when he attempted to come out. He said the incident resulted in injuries that required several medical procedures.
Fayose said the situation he experienced in Ekiti was different from what happened during the recent Osun election. He argued that if the Federal Government wanted to take Osun by force, it could have done so.
The former governor therefore described Tinubu as “magnanimous” and said the President had demonstrated that it was possible for Nigerians’ votes to count during elections.
The August 15 Osun election was won by incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party. He secured 511,067 votes, defeating APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who received 444,815 votes. ADC candidate Najeem Salaam came third with 17,180 votes. Adeleke won 19 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11.
Fayose also dismissed concerns that Tinubu’s appointments of the INEC chairman, Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Army Staff meant the institutions would automatically be used to influence elections.
He said what mattered was the President’s “body language” and argued that Tinubu’s approach was currently encouraging the survival of democracy.
Fayose’s comments come as political parties and politicians intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. His praise of Tinubu has also attracted attention because he has recently faced speculation about his political relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress.
However, Fayose rejected suggestions that his support for Tinubu’s administration was connected to his recent appointment as chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency board or that he was preparing to defect to the APC. He said his support was based on what he believed would benefit Nigeria.
