Fayose: It’s now difficult To rig elections

Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose has stated that rigging elections is now a difficult task. Fayose, who is aligned with President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He noted that Tinubu is expected to secure 12 million votes in the upcoming election, stressing that rigging an election is "very very difficult."

Fayose also addressed the controversy surrounding the Rainbow Coalition, which was initiated by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a PDP chieftain. Wike and other APC governors have been at odds over the coalition, with the governors refusing to support any alliance that could weaken the APC or create competing interests within the ruling party. Wike has insisted that his goal is to ensure Tinubu's reelection, rather than helping the governors win their respective states.

Fayose suggested that the coalition's effectiveness depends on its ability to deliver votes for Tinubu, particularly in states like Rivers, where Wike's influence is strong. He emphasized that if the Rainbow Coalition can effectively mobilize votes, it would be beneficial for Tinubu's campaign. However, Fayose clarified that Wike's support is not necessary for Tinubu to win, as the president is well-supported by other leaders and stakeholders.

The former governor also downplayed the significance of the disagreement between Wike and the APC governors, stating that it should not be seen as a threat to Tinubu's re-election. He argued that controversy can actually be beneficial for the election, as long as it does not undermine the overall process. Fayose reiterated that the Rainbow Coalition is working for some people, and if it can bring results, it is worth considering.

He also noted that the methods that work for one person may not work for another, and that everyone has their own interests and strategies.

Fayose concluded by emphasizing that the disagreement between Wike and the APC governors does not weaken Tinubu's chances of winning the election. He stated that the controversy has not taken anything out of the system, and that all parties are united in supporting the president, despite their differing approaches.