Boluwatife Fayose, the son of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has revealed the reasons behind his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was inspired by his admiration for Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his leadership style.
Boluwatife made the disclosure while speaking to party members and leaders during a political meeting in Iworoko Ekiti, located in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. The gathering was held shortly after he was endorsed as the consensus candidate of the APC for the Ekiti State House of Assembly seat representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency 2.
According to him, his decision to align with the ruling party was based on personal conviction and not influenced by his father’s political affiliation. Boluwatife emphasized that although his father remains a prominent figure in opposition politics, he independently chose to pursue his political ambition under the APC platform.
He explained that Governor Oyebanji’s approach to governance and his relationship with the people of Ekiti State played a major role in shaping his decision. Boluwatife said he admired the governor’s commitment to development and his efforts to maintain stability within the state’s political environment.
Boluwatife also used the opportunity to thank party leaders and grassroots members for accepting him into the APC and supporting his political ambition. He promised to work closely with stakeholders in the constituency and ensure that the interests of residents are properly represented if he eventually secures the mandate.
During the meeting, party officials from various wards in the constituency reportedly confirmed his candidacy through a consensus arrangement. The process followed the party’s zoning decision that allocated the Assembly ticket to Afao ward in order to ensure fairness among the six wards within the constituency.
Local party leaders explained that the zoning arrangement was designed to give equal political opportunities to communities that had not previously produced representatives in the state assembly. According to them, Afao and Awo wards had not held the seat since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, making it their turn under the rotational arrangement.
Boluwatife further assured supporters that he would promote inclusiveness and unity across the constituency if elected. He also pledged to collaborate with the current lawmaker and party leaders to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections in the state.
His entry into the APC has drawn attention because his father, Ayodele Fayose, is a long-time member of the opposition and previously served as governor under a different political platform. Observers say the development highlights the changing dynamics of Nigerian politics, where political alignments sometimes differ within families.
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 election cycle, analysts believe such political realignments could influence party strategies and reshape alliances across different states.
