INTERVIEW: Electoral Act amendment: Peter Obi is gone – Isaac Fayose

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Mr. Isaac Fayose, a businessman and brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, discusses various topics in this interview, including US President Donald Trump’s interest in Nigeria, Peter Obi’s prospects in 2027 amid controversies over electronic vote transmission, the debate on state police, and more. Excerpts:

Despite Trump’s military action in Nigeria, the killings continue…what is your take?

President Trump has been influenced because the Nigerian government reportedly paid $9 million to a firm to lobby on their behalf. This information is publicly available and not hidden.

Consider this: last month, Trump described Nigeria as a disgraced nation, but after the lobbying effort, he praised the Nigerian First Lady as a respected woman. This shows that Americans, too, are motivated by money.

How can he label us a disgraced nation in December and then suddenly call us respected, even though killings are ongoing?

He is giving us “respected nation” status while terrorists have killed over 170 people in Kwara State. The violence continues, so what has changed for Trump to now regard Nigeria as respected?

It’s similar to the IMF stating that over 116 million Nigerians live below the multidimensional poverty line, only to later claim that Nigeria has the fastest-growing economy.

Foreign nations often show bias in their judgments. When you give them what they want, they respond with favorable statements.

What do you think is the solution to the killings?

The violence is increasing daily. Reports suggest that the government has spent trillions of naira on ransoms. Had this money been invested in defense, we could have acquired substantial ammunition and military equipment.

I don’t think the country is being effectively managed, because President Tinubu could address this issue with a simple declaration.

What declaration? “From today, every state should have its own police, and I will provide the funds.” State police would immediately end this crisis.

If security at your estate is inadequate, you hire guards. Right now, Nigeria lacks an effective police system. At police stations, you are often asked to pay for forms, and money is collected from you.

So why not allow state governments to have their own police forces? They could report to their governors, which would help curb the problems caused by a centralized police system. Having state police would also create healthy competition.

Don’t you think governors might abuse the power, especially during elections?

If the President can declare a state of emergency and remove a governor at any time, abuse is unlikely. Should people continue dying because of fears that state police might be misused during elections?

It is selfish to delay state police over election concerns while people are being killed. After the election, you can address the issue, but now lives are at stake.

Look at Kwara State: granting the governor a state police force would stop the killings. The force would be well-compensated and could even generate revenue for the state.

Why were you concerned about Peter Obi when the Senate reportedly rejected real-time electronic transmission of results?

Without transmission, officials can manipulate results and present them as they please, effectively sidelining Obi. Even when transmission existed, manipulation occurred—imagine what could happen if it’s completely removed.

They could just write results and say “go to court,” controlling the outcome through the judiciary.

You called for a protest against the Senate. Any update?

Yes, I called for a protest, but the Senate is now claiming that the report about rejecting electronic transmission is false.

We are waiting until Monday for the official clarification. Once Akpabio and the Senate provide the truth, we will decide on the next steps.

Are you a member of the ADC?

I do not belong to any political party. I advocate for good governance. In some states, I align with APC, in others PDP, and in others, the Labour Party.

What can you say about the political crisis in Rivers State?

The crisis is man-made, and the people of Rivers State are the ones suffering.

Wike has already been compensated as a Minister, so what is he still fighting for regarding political structures in Rivers State? What is the goal of this power struggle?

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