Former Senator Ayo Arise has stepped up his senatorial comeback campaign in Ekiti North, rejecting attempts to impose candidates through consensus, calling instead for a transparent, vote-based process within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Arise made his position known, on Tuesday, during a grassroots rally in OyeLocal Government Area, where he addressed party members and supporters, insisting that only a credible and competitive primary could reflect the true will of party stakeholders.
According to him, any form of consensus arrangement that did not reflect the agreement of all relevant stakeholders runs contrary to democratic principles and the party’s constitution.
“There is nothing like consensus without the consent of the people. Where there is no agreement, the party constitution is clear—there must be a vote,” he said.
His comments came amid growing discussions within party circles over possible moves to streamline the emergence of candidates ahead of the next general election, a development that has continued to generate reactions among aspirants across the district.
Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, anchored his confidence on what he described as strong grassroots support across the five local government areas that make up the district.
He maintained that his political relevance remained intact due to his longstanding connection with constituents.
“I have been tested, and I have delivered. The people know me, and they know what I stand for. Those looking for shortcuts know they cannot win in a free and fair contest,” he said.
Gbenga Sodeinde
