Tinubu hails Fayemi’s contributions to democracy on 60th birthday

President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his 60th birthday and commended his dedication to democracy, governance, and national development.

In a statement released on Sunday, Tinubu recalled his long-standing relationship with Fayemi, which dates back to their time in the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s, where they actively opposed military dictatorship.

“During the challenging General Sani Abacha era, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, especially those in exile, had to rely on their ingenuity to survive. Kayode’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills were invaluable to our cause,” Tinubu stated.

He highlighted Fayemi’s role in the struggle for Chief MKO Abiola’s release and the de-annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, describing how the military government restricted press freedom and arrested activists.

Tinubu noted that following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Fayemi founded the Centre for Democracy and Development, focusing on promoting peace and security across Africa. He transitioned into politics in 2006 and contested the Ekiti governorship election in 2007 under the Action Congress.

Though initially denied victory, Fayemi pursued legal action, and after a three-year legal battle, he was declared governor in 2010 following a court-ordered re-run election.

Tinubu also highlighted Fayemi’s pivotal role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress in 2013, chairing the presidential primary panel that produced Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s candidate.

He later served as Director of Policy in the 2015 APC/Buhari campaign, which led to the historic defeat of an incumbent president.

After serving as Minister of Mines and Steel Development in Buhari’s administration, Fayemi returned as Ekiti State governor in 2018.

Tinubu commended his leadership, stating, “As a two-term governor, he served the people amid severe economic challenges. There is no doubt that he made his mark in the governance of Ekiti State.”

The president further praised Fayemi’s loyalty to the APC, recalling how he stepped down for him at the 2023 APC presidential primaries, demonstrating “remarkable humility and comradeship.”

“With our long years together in the trenches and years of party and national politics collaboration, Fayemi has been an able lieutenant, an invaluable ally, and a committed patriot,” Tinubu said.

Celebrating Fayemi’s achievements as an academic, author, administrator, and development expert, Tinubu wished him continued health and success.