President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his 60th birthday, commending his unwavering commitment to democracy, governance, and national development.
In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu reflected on his long-standing relationship with Fayemi, tracing it back to their shared involvement in the pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s against military rule.
“During the difficult years of General Sani Abacha’s regime, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, particularly those in exile, had to rely on their resourcefulness. Kayode’s intelligence, dedication, and strategic acumen were invaluable to our cause,” Tinubu remarked.
He highlighted Fayemi’s active role in the fight for the release of Chief MKO Abiola and the de-annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, recalling the military’s crackdown on press freedom and activists.
“To counter this suppression, there was a need for a radio station that could amplify the voices of the pro-democracy movement both locally and internationally. Dr. Fayemi and other activists helped establish Radio Kudirat in honor of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola,” Tinubu noted.
Following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Fayemi founded the Centre for Democracy and Development, championing peace and security across Africa. His political journey began in 2006 when he contested the Ekiti governorship election under the Action Congress in 2007. Although initially denied victory, he pursued legal redress and, after a three-year court battle, was declared governor in 2010 through a court-ordered re-run election.
Tinubu also underscored Fayemi’s instrumental role in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. As chairman of the party’s presidential primary panel, he oversaw the selection of Muhammadu Buhari as the APC’s candidate.
He later served as Director of Policy in the 2015 APC/Buhari campaign, contributing to the historic defeat of an incumbent president. Afterward, he was appointed Minister of Mines and Steel Development before returning as Ekiti State governor in 2018.
Acknowledging his leadership, Tinubu stated, “As a two-term governor, he navigated significant economic challenges and left a lasting impact on Ekiti State’s governance.”
The president also praised Fayemi’s loyalty to the APC, recalling how he stepped down for him during the 2023 APC presidential primaries—a gesture Tinubu described as an act of “remarkable humility and comradeship.”
“With our shared history in activism and years of collaboration in party and national politics, Fayemi has been a trusted ally, a dependable lieutenant, and a patriotic leader,” Tinubu said.
Celebrating Fayemi’s achievements as an academic, author, administrator, and development expert, Tinubu wished him continued success and good health.
“As he marks this milestone, I pray for his continued well-being and fulfillment in the years ahead,” he concluded.
