By Law Ibitoye
A leading aspirant for the Ekiti North Senatorial District seat, Senator Ayo Arise, has intensified his push for victory in the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary with the inauguration of seven thousand canvassers across the district.
The inauguration, carried out across Ido/Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje, Ikole and Oye local government areas, is part of a broader mobilisation strategy ahead of the party’s primary scheduled for May 22, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the aspirant, the Director General of the Ayo Arise Campaign Organisation, Hon. George Fadipe, said about 7,000 canvassers had been engaged to drive grassroots support for Arise’s ambition. He explained that the structure comprises six canvassers per local government, six per ward across the 56 wards in the district, and an additional 10 canvassers per polling unit.
Fadipe charged the canvassers to remain loyal, diligent and committed to the project of returning Arise to the Senate in 2027, describing him as the most competent among the aspirants.
According to him, Arise’s track record, particularly during his previous tenure between 2011 and 2015, distinguishes him as a candidate with proven capacity.
He cited the facilitation of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti as a landmark achievement that has significantly improved the socio-economic development of the district.
He also dismissed rumours suggesting that a preferred candidate had already emerged through undisclosed arrangements, describing such claims as false and a ploy to mask poor performance and disconnect from the grassroots.
“The party constitution and the Electoral Act clearly spell out the process for the emergence of candidates. Any attempt to bypass due process is unrealistic and unacceptable,” he said.
Fadipe further assured supporters of adequate protection against intimidation, insisting that the campaign remains focused on legitimate and democratic means of securing victory.
Also speaking, a former two-term chairman of Oye Local Government and Ifeloju Local Council Development Area, Comrade Babatunde Ogunmilugba, urged the canvassers to be steadfast and proactive in mobilising party members. He expressed confidence in Arise’s leadership qualities, noting his commitment to the welfare of the people and development of the district.
Ogunmilugba added that necessary support would be provided to ensure the canvassers effectively carry out their responsibilities.
Some of the canvassers, who spoke at the events, pledged to work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in them, while also urging party members not to be swayed by rumours of any alleged endorsement.
The mobilisation drive follows Arise’s recent tour of all 56 wards in the five local government areas, where he outlined his plans and programmes to party members as part of his campaign for a return to the Senate.
