Ayo Arise Advocates Open Contest in APC Senatorial Race

Ayo Arise, a former senator representing Ekiti North from 2007 to 2011, has firmly rejected attempts to impose a consensus candidate in the APC senatorial race. He made this position known during a grassroots rally in Oye Local Government Area on Tuesday, asserting that the party should conduct transparent, vote-based processes.

Arise argued that a consensus arrangement does not reflect the agreement of relevant stakeholders and runs contrary to democratic principles. He cautioned against attempts by some aspirants to avoid open competition, describing such moves as often driven by weak popular support.

Arise expressed confidence in his grassroots backing across the five local government areas of the district and reaffirmed his readiness to contest in an open primary. He also voiced support for President Bola Tinubu's policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, acknowledging the short-term challenges but emphasizing the need for necessary reforms to redirect national resources towards development.