The Man Contesting Against Me Now, He Can’t Sit For Too Long, There Is F!re On The Mountain–Ayodele Arise

According to a report by The Nation Thursday, April 23, 2026, Senator Ayodele Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, has expressed his political intention ahead of the 2027 elections.

In an interview in Abuja with Chief Correspondent Sanni Onogu, he spoke about his plan to return to the Senate and addressed wider political issues around the current electoral atmosphere as political activities intensify across the country in recent political developments.

During the interview, he was asked whether there are deliberate efforts to frustrate constitutional amendment proposals in Nigeria.

The question also focused on concerns that political interests might be influencing the legislative process as the country approaches another election cycle, and how such developments could affect national political stability amid rising national political tensions linked to electoral cycle across institutions concerns.

Arise stated that there is noticeable delay in the constitutional amendment process, he noted that recent political pronouncements align closely with election preparations, increasing activity among politicians focused on securing positions.

He said this overlap has intensified competition among those seeking to return to office within the broader political landscape ahead of elections in the country.

He explained that many political actors are focused on electoral survival, with incumbents and challengers working to maintain or regain positions.

He said this situation is shaping political engagement as attention shifts toward campaigns and positioning ahead of the elections reflecting growing electoral competition nationwide among political stakeholders in Nigeria currently active.

Arise highlighted his political rivalry, noting that his opponent in the Senate race is under pressure due to competition.

He said strong challengers have increased political manoeuvring, making it harder for sitting lawmakers to remain relaxed as the race builds momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections within the political space at present.

He described the political environment as tense and highly charged, saying the election pressure has created instability among contenders.

He added that these conditions are influencing how political actors behave during campaigns as they seek voter support ahead of 2027 noting heightened political sensitivity around the process as elections draw nearer in Nigeria generally.

He said, “Yes, I do not know why there is delay, but the fact that this thing, this pronouncement, came not too long ago and is now dovetailing to an election period, some of these people are fighting the battle of their lives to come back. I mean, the man that is contesting against me now, who is seated in the Senate, he cannot sit down for too long because there is fire on the mountain.