Ekiti PDP backs Fayose's new role as REA chair

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has officially supported the appointment of former Governor Ayodele Fayose as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The party called the role a national assignment and expressed trust in his capabilities.

This endorsement comes after President Bola Tinubu appointed the ex-governor in mid-July to lead the federal agency.

On Sunday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Oluwafemi Philips, released a statement saying the State Working Committee agreed to let the former governor take on the role. They added that this decision has been shared with the party’s National Working Committee.

The PDP stated that Mr Fayose’s appointment shows his experience in public administration and leadership. The party believes these qualities will help improve electricity access to rural communities in need across Nigeria.

“The State Working Committee unanimously approved the decision to release His Excellency, Ayodele Fayose, for this important national assignment,” the statement noted.

The party also mentioned that the former governor has the necessary administrative skills and leadership qualities to guide the agency and push its rural electrification goals.

Mr Fayose was the governor of Ekiti State on the PDP platform from 2014 to 2018. Before that, he served a first term as governor from 2003 until his removal in October 2006. He became one of the most influential members of the PDP during these times.

He was a strong critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s time in office. However, he supported Mr Tinubu as the APC candidate during the 2023 presidential election.

Mr Fayose has kept a friendly relationship with President Tinubu. He still belongs to the PDP and insists he has no plans to join the APC.

His appointment by an APC-led federal government has drawn political interest since he remains a key member of the opposition PDP.

While the PDP has not said whether Mr Fayose will give up his party membership, the Ekiti chapter believes this appointment is a chance for him to aid national development instead of focusing on party politics.

The party also congratulated the former governor for the upcoming unveiling of a monument in his honour at the Ekiti State Government House. They view this as recognition of his contributions to the state’s development.

They pledged their support and prayers for Mr Fayose as he begins his new role. The PDP expressed confidence that he would meet the expectations placed on him through effective leadership of the agency.

Mr Fayose’s appointment fits a growing trend in the Tinubu administration. In 2023, Mr Tinubu appointed former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, another notable figure from the opposition PDP and past critic of the APC, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Mr Wike, a close ally of Mr Fayose, has been in this role for three years while remaining a member of the PDP. There are other former critics who still identify with their parties while serving in this administration.