By Law Ibitoye
A frontline aspirant for the Ekiti North Senatorial ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayo Arise, has declared that he remains the candidate to beat ahead of the party’s primary election on Monday 18 May , expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious if the process is free and fair.
Arise made the declaration on Friday while featuring on VIEWPOINT, a political programme on Fresh FM, Ado Ekiti, anchored by veteran broadcaster, Jide Ogunluyi.
Speaking ahead of the Senatorial primary slated for Monday, 18 May, the former lawmaker said his track records and developmental contributions across Ekiti North remain unmatched.
According to him, “If we have a free and fair election, I will win with a very wide margin. I don’t see how Cyril will defeat me. I have been there before and I did a lot for the people of Ekiti North. My works in political, physical, educational and economic development are there for everybody to see.”
Arise said the establishment and spread of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti remains one of his enduring legacies, stressing that almost all communities across the senatorial district benefitted immensely from his representation at the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011.
He added that several Information Technology Centres (ITC) were facilitated to different communities, while markets and other infrastructure projects were also attracted to improve economic activities and empower residents.
The APC chieftain further noted that he facilitated employment opportunities for many indigenes of the district across different sectors, maintaining that his performance while in office continues to earn him commendations from the people. “Anywhere I go, people applaud my performance. The people are even telling me, ‘Come and rescue us again.’ They are comparing what I did during my time with what is obtainable now, and that comparison in terms of achievements will determine the outcome of this contest,” he stated.
Drawing comparison between his tenure and the current representation in the district, Arise insisted that leadership must be about adding value to the lives of the people and supporting the developmental vision of the state government. Stressing that his second term will further witness massive development that will impact lives and enhance good standards of living of the people of Ekiti North.
Senator Arise also raised concerns over what he described as the prolonged dominance of one federal constituency in the district’s political structure. According to him, “Ido/Osi Federal Constituency has monopolised the Senate seat for too long. By the time the incumbent senator completes his term, the constituency would have held power for about 24 years. The people will decide who truly deserves to represent them.”
On allegations surrounding endorsement and political backing, Arise dismissed insinuations that Governor Biodun Oyebanji had anointed any candidate for the race.
He explained that while he enjoys the support of notable political leaders including former governors: Kayode Fayemi, Segun Oni and Niyi Adebayo, as well as Governor Oyebanji, the governor had publicly maintained neutrality in the contest.
“I wonder why the incumbent senator keeps dropping the governor’s name everywhere by claiming he has endorsed him. Governor Oyebanji has publicly stated that he has no anointed candidate,” Arise said.
The former lawmaker reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the people, saying he is not tired of serving and helping residents of Ekiti North to achieve better living conditions, he called on All Progressive Congress members to come out enmass to vote for him on Monday 18 May at party’s primary election
