Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, once maintained that he would rather remain at home than accept a position in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, despite their longstanding personal relationship.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television in October 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain revealed that Tinubu had offered him an appointment, which he politely declined.
Fayose said he had no intention of returning to public office after serving two terms as Governor of Ekiti State.
“At 65, I would rather stay at home and focus on other responsibilities. I have served my state well as a two-term governor and I am satisfied with my contributions,” he said at the time.
The former governor also stressed that his friendship with Tinubu did not amount to political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that his views on national issues were guided by conviction rather than the pursuit of political appointments.
However, events took a different turn on Monday as President Tinubu appointed Fayose as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA.
The appointment was announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as part of a broader list of 26 appointments into the boards of 10 federal government agencies and commissions.
According to the Presidency, all appointments took immediate effect.
Fayose’s acceptance of the position has drawn attention to his earlier remarks rejecting any role in the APC-led administration, marking a significant shift from the stance he publicly expressed less than a year ago.
After vowing he won’t accept appointments, Fayose now heads REA Board
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