Real reason I rejected Tinubu’s appointment offer – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed that he declined an appointment offer from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, explaining that he now wants to focus on his personal life after years of active political engagement.

Fayose made the revelation on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s political programme, Politics Today.

The outspoken former governor, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that although he shares a cordial personal relationship with President Tinubu, he has no plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) or accept any political role in the current administration.

“Have you seen me taking appointments from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘What would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir,’” Fayose stated.

“At 65, I’d rather be at home, being more responsible, doing other things that I need to do. I’ve served well, two-time governor, I’ve done well. Tomorrow will hold itself.”

Fayose stressed that his relationship with Tinubu predates party politics and is rooted in mutual respect rather than political alignment.

“I’ve not been with APC, but I’ve been Asiwaju’s friend and brother for a long time. That is the truth,” he added.

Turning to the 2027 general election, the former governor assessed the current state of opposition politics, declaring that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remains the only opposition figure with significant national traction capable of challenging the ruling APC.

“Tell me who would defeat APC? The only opposition that I know of in Nigeria, I am not saying that he will win Asiwaju, but the only person that has traction is Obi,” Fayose said.

“Despite not being in government, he is the only one talking and everywhere. I give it to him.”

Fayose further explained that his political decisions are guided by personal conviction and principle, not by the lure of political appointments or material gain.

He, however, declined to affirm whether Obi stands as a more formidable opposition figure than former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-minister Rotimi Amaechi, maintaining that his focus remained on playing a constructive role outside partisan appointments.