Social commentator Isaac Fayose has shared his bold perspectives on Nigerian politics, governance, and his relationship with his older brother, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.
Speaking on this week’s edition of the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Fayose spoke about his political disagreements with his brother, revealing that their rift stemmed from Ekiti politics. He distanced himself from Ayo Fayose’s support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, insisting he saw no reason to align with him.
“I disagree with my (elder) brother (Ayo Fayose) because of Ekiti politics. He’s supporting Gov. Oyebanji, and I don’t see why I have to join him to support Oyebanji.”
Discussing the 2023 presidential election, Fayose strongly maintained that Peter Obi of the Labour Party was the rightful winner.
“Peter Obi won the (2023) election, but unfortunately, the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) and the judiciary said we didn’t.”
He claimed Obi’s real margin of victory was between 800,000 to 1 million votes but alleged that the election results were manipulated.
Despite his support for Obi during the elections, he stated that after the polls, he chose to back President Bola Tinubu for national stability. “I started speaking in support of President Tinubu after the election. I think the best thing to do is for us (as Nigerians) to come together and make the country stable.”
On governance in Ekiti State, Fayose criticized Governor Oyebanji’s performance, stating that he has failed to deliver meaningful development, declaring further that the governor does not deserve a second term in office. “In two years and twenty-four months, we have a lot of Ekiti graduates riding Keke Marwa (tricycles). You can’t enter the state because the roads are bad! I don’t see anything good that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji has done in Ekiti State.”
Addressing the opposition in Nigeria, Fayose, who argued that the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are no longer viable, also expressed skepticism about any opposition party defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections unless fundamental changes occur. According to him, INEC is no longer conducting credible elections but merely selecting winners. “INEC is not doing any elections for now. It is for selection. As long as INEC is on selection, Tinubu is coming back as President (in 2027).”
Despite his criticisms, Fayose acknowledged that President Tinubu has introduced some commendable policies, particularly local government autonomy and state policing. However, he advised the president to actively engage with local government leaders and strengthen his policies with concrete action.
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