A former Senator who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, Ayo Arise, has taken his campaign to the grassroots to garner support from constituents as he seeks a return to the Senate.
Arise, who is vying for the senatorial ticket ahead of the next general elections, will square up against the incumbent lawmaker, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi, for the party’s flag.
During his ward-to-ward tour across the district on Tuesday, the former lawmaker was received by enthusiastic crowds who trooped out in large numbers to welcome him, pledging their support for his comeback bid.
Addressing party members and residents at various stops, Arise reeled out his achievements during his first stint in the Red Chamber, noting that his performance remains visible across communities in the district.
He said, “When you are given an assignment, you must do it well. Today, I have no better testimony than the reception I have received from our people. The joy and enthusiasm I see everywhere show that our people remember what we did.”
The senatorial hopeful maintained that he remains deeply rooted in the grassroots, stressing that his connection with the people distinguishes him from other aspirants.
Arise, while speaking at Ayegbaju, disclosed that plans were underway to attract industries to the district, a move he said would open up employment opportunities and boost the local economy.
According to him, “The process to bring new industries that will create jobs for our people has already begun. We cannot allow development in this axis to be truncated by inefficiency or lack of empathy.”
He lamented that many loyal party members at the grassroots have not adequately benefited from democratic dividends, assuring that his return would change the narrative.
“I am coming back to do even better than I did before. Our people deserve more, and I am ready to serve them with greater commitment,” he added.
Taking a swipe at moves to impose candidates through consensus, Arise described such efforts as unconstitutional, insisting that due process must be followed in line with party rules and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He argued that any aspirant unwilling to face the electorate lacks the popularity required to win a free and fair contest.
On national issues, Arise defended policies of the Timubu led-administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said was necessary to block leakages and redirect funds to critical sectors of the economy.
He also cited initiatives such as student loans and direct allocation to local governments as steps aimed at deepening development at the grassroots.
Across the wards visited, supporters expressed confidence in Arise’s capacity to deliver, with many urging party leaders to give him the ticket to represent the district once again in the Senate.
With the growing wave of support, the contest for the Ekiti North senatorial ticket is shaping up to be a keenly fought battle.
