BREAKING: Since Fayemi Had Deprived Me Twice, This One, If He’s Running, I’ve Told Him I’m Going To Run–Arise

According to a report by The Nation Thursday, April 23, 2026, Senator Ayodele Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, spoke in Abuja with Chief Correspondent Sanni Onogu regarding his political ambition and his intention to stage a return to the Nigerian Senate in the 2027 general elections.

He outlined his perspective on party dynamics and his readiness for the next electoral cycle.

When asked about the long-standing position within the party that the sitting governor is regarded as the leader of the party in the state, Arise addressed the issue in the context of internal structure and influence within the Ekiti APC, noting how leadership roles often shape political decisions and alignments among members.

Responding to emerging discussions that former Governor Kayode Fayemi may be considering a return to the Senate, Arise said he had taken note of the reports and did not see any basis for disagreement over such ambition, explaining that such developments are common in Nigerian politics where former governors often pursue legislative positions after leaving office.

He further pointed out that it is not unusual for politicians who have completed their tenure as governors to set their sights on the Senate, describing it as a natural progression for many political figures who wish to remain active in national governance after serving at the state executive level.

Arise explained that from the outset he had prepared himself for competition over the senatorial seat, stating that he had no intention of withdrawing from the race regardless of who else enters the contest, and that his focus remained on his own political ambition and strategy.

He maintained that his determination had been consistent over time, adding that he had already made up his mind regarding reclaiming the Senate position and was ready to engage in the electoral process as it unfolds toward 2027.

He said, “So news started moving around that Fayemi is likely going to run, and which I could not have quarrelled them because most of his colleagues, when they leave governorship seats, the next natural seat they are looking for is the Senate. But my mind was made up, that since he had deprived me twice, this one, if he’s running, I’ve told him I’m going to run, then that means we’re going to be on the field together. So I knew from the beginning that this Senate seat, I am taking it back.”