Arise Commends APC Screening Process, Vows To Restore Development In Ekiti North

Former senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Ayo Arise, has praised the screening exercise conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a necessary step toward ensuring credible representation within the party.

Arise, who is seeking to return to the Senate to represent Ekiti North, said the screening process was important in safeguarding the integrity of the party and ensuring that only qualified and credible individuals emerge as candidates.

Speaking on the ongoing exercise, the former lawmaker stated that it was not surprising that some aspirants were disqualified, insisting that no serious political party would field candidates with questionable backgrounds.

According to him, the APC also demonstrated fairness by establishing an appeal panel to review contentious cases and ensure justice for affected aspirants.

The senate hopeful expressed confidence in his chances of securing the party’s ticket, citing what he described as his outstanding record of service during his previous tenure in the National Assembly.

“Except for one or two persons who are against my aspiration, the entire senatorial district is with me,” he said.

Arise maintained that his tenure in the Senate brought unprecedented development to the district, including the establishment of a federal university, adding that subsequent representatives had failed to match his achievements.

He also lamented what he described as the slow pace of development in the district, particularly the poor condition of roads linking parts of Ekiti North through the Dongore axis in neighbouring Kogi State.

The former senator accused some political actors of allegedly invoking the name of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in support of certain aspirants, despite the governor’s insistence that he has no preferred candidate in the race.

“As the candidate to beat in this senatorial primary, my goal is to replicate the developmental strides being witnessed in Ekiti Central under Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in Ekiti North,” he stated.

Arise also raised concerns over alleged plans by some individuals to disrupt the party primaries through violence and intimidation.

He warned against the use of thugs during the exercise and urged his supporters to document any incident of electoral misconduct, stressing that anyone found culpable would face legal consequences.

Despite the tensions surrounding the primaries, the former lawmaker said he remained optimistic, insisting that his track record and past accomplishments would ultimately earn him victory at the polls.