Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for permitting the recent Osun State governorship election to unfold without federal interference. Fayose's remarks came during an interview on TVC News, where he reflected on the stark differences between the current political climate and his own tumultuous experience during the 2018 Ekiti elections.

In his comments, Fayose highlighted how the Osun election, held on August 15, 2026, was conducted without the heavy hand of federal power, a contrast he noted was absent in his own re-election bid. He stated, "He is showing us that it is possible to have an election of our dream in this country," emphasizing that credible elections can be achieved in Nigeria.

The Osun governorship election saw incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord party securing victory with 511,067 votes, defeating Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 444,815 votes. The election results were closely contested, with Adeleke winning in 19 local government areas while Oyebamiji took 11.

Fayose's praise for Tinubu was not without context, as he recounted his own experiences leading up to the 2018 Ekiti election. He alleged that just three days before the polls, he faced significant obstacles, including the withdrawal of his security detail and being physically assaulted by security personnel. He described a harrowing encounter where he was struck with a gun and prevented from leading a march of over 60,000 supporters. "An inspector told me, governor my foot. And they prevented me from coming out of the government house," he recalled, revealing that the incident required multiple medical procedures.

Despite these past grievances, Fayose dismissed speculation regarding his recent appointment as chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency board, asserting that it does not signify a shift from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. He emphasized that his relationship with Tinubu dates back to their time as governors in 2003 and that his current support for certain initiatives is rooted in national development rather than party allegiance.

In a related development, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commented on the implications of the Osun election results for the upcoming 2027 presidential race, suggesting that it would be the easiest contest for Tinubu, given the opposition's lack of unity and structure. Wike's remarks further illustrate the complex dynamics at play in Nigerian politics, especially as the nation gears up for future elections.

Fayose's insights into the electoral process and his experiences underscore the ongoing challenges and potential for reform within Nigeria's political landscape, as he calls for a commitment to credible elections moving forward.