By John Alechenu | Abuja

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primaries, a former senator and aspirant for the Ekiti North Senatorial ticket, Ayodele Arise, has warned against any attempt to impose candidates on the district, declaring that he will not step down for the incumbent lawmaker, Cyril Fasuyi.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Arise stressed that the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act clearly stipulate that party primaries must be conducted either through consensus or direct voting, insisting that any deviation would be unacceptable.

He cautioned Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, against backing any form of imposition, warning that such a move could have political consequences, particularly for the governor’s re-election prospects.

Arise noted that while the governor had publicly denied involvement in alleged endorsement moves, some individuals were still invoking his name to push certain interests within the district.

According to him, “The terms are very clear. It’s either consensus or direct primaries. Nobody should bring any name to my senatorial district because I am running. I will go through the process of direct primaries.”

He argued that endorsements not agreed upon by all aspirants contradict the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), maintaining that only a transparent and credible primary election would determine the party’s candidate.

The former lawmaker, who previously represented the district, said his decision to re-contest was driven by a desire to restore effective representation, adding that constituents still recall his performance while in office.

He warned that imposing a candidate could trigger internal discontent within the party, stating, “Transferred aggression will come if Fasuyi is imposed.”

Arise also dismissed claims that he is being sponsored by former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, insisting that he remains independent and financially capable of pursuing his ambition.

He called on party stakeholders to ensure a level playing field, reiterating his readiness to contest and serve the people if given the mandate.