By Mahmoud
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), months after publicly declaring that he had no interest in serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Fayose, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had stated during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television on October 15, 2025, that he had politely turned down an offer of appointment from President Tinubu.
At the time, the former governor maintained that, having served two terms as governor, he had no desire to return to public office and would rather focus on his private life.
“Have you seen me taking an appointment from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘What would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir.’
“At 65, I’d rather be at home, being more responsible, doing other things that I need to do.
“I’ve served well. Two-time governor, I’ve done well. Tomorrow will hold itself,” Fayose said during the interview.
He also made it clear that his long-standing friendship with President Tinubu was personal and should not be mistaken for political alignment.
“I’ve not been with APC, but I’ve been Asiwaju’s friend and brother for a long time. That is the truth,” he said.
Fayose further explained that his comments on national issues were guided by personal conviction rather than any expectation of political patronage or government appointments.
Despite those earlier remarks, President Tinubu on Monday named the former governor as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Fayose’s appointment forms part of a wider round of 26 appointments to the boards of 10 federal government agencies and commissions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced 26 new appointments to 10 federal government agencies and commissions, with the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, emerging as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency,” the statement read.
The appointment has drawn attention because of Fayose’s previous insistence that he was not interested in serving in an APC-led administration, despite his cordial relationship with President Tinubu.
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