Olatunde Lincoln Ado-Ekiti
Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing defection rumours linking him to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as baseless and politically motivated.
Fayemi’s clarification followed the circulation of photographs showing him at a wedding ceremony in Kano alongside politicians from other parties. The images were interpreted by some online commentators as a sign of a looming defection ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Fayemi questioned the logic behind the claims. “Present where? If I’m going to do ADC, it’s in Kano that I will join,” he said, referencing his attendance at a wedding ceremony in Kano. He insisted that his presence at the event had no political undertone.
Dismissing the speculation, Fayemi said the logic behind the claims was flawed. “Present where? If I’m going to do ADC, it’s in Kano that I will join,” he stated, stressing that his attendance at the event was purely social and had no political implication.
“Why is it that Nigerians don’t think? Lukman Salihu’s son got married in Kano today and I was there with Tambuwal, Kole Shettima and others,” he explained. He noted that relationships across party lines are part of Nigeria’s political culture and should not be mistaken for realignment.
The former governor also condemned what he termed the mischief of a “so-called youth leader” who posted the photographs. “If some so-called youth leader that I don’t even know took photographs and displayed it, how is that my problem?” he asked, urging the public to verify facts before spreading unverified narratives.
With the Ekiti election drawing close, Fayemi said the timing of the rumour exposed its intent. “Is it a week to election in Ekiti that I will join ADC? Rubbish talk,” he said, reiterating that his political base remains with the APC where he has invested years of service.
In a stronger declaration of loyalty, Fayemi likened the APC to a “glass house” he helped construct with other party leaders. “The APC is a glass house built by me and several other like minds. I will never throw a stone to break what we laboured to build,” he asserted, emphasizing ownership and responsibility.
He reminded political detractors that his history with the APC predates his tenure as governor. As a founding member and strategist, Fayemi said his commitment to the party’s ideals of progressivism and internal democracy remains unchanged despite current political dynamics.
Fayemi’s team also called for respect for his private life, arguing that public service should not erase personal freedom. “Does Fayemi not deserve a social life? A former governor and Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, he has a wide circle of friends across the political spectrum,” the statement read.
Drawing parallels with other Nigerian leaders, the statement added: “Just as the children of our leaders often marry across religious and political lines, Fayemi’s personal associations are his own. Friendship and politics are not the same.”
Political analysts say the former minister’s intervention is significant because it directly confronts the narrative of division within the APC in Ekiti and at the national level. His statement is expected to reassure party loyalists ahead of key electoral contests.
Fayemi’s camp maintained that his relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape is tied to consistency and principle. “His high caliber continues to make him a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape,” the statement concluded, adding that he remains committed to strengthening the APC rather than undermining it.