Former President Muhammadu Buhari has paid glowing tribute to ex-Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, lauding his commitment to democracy, leadership, and nation-building as he marks his 60th birthday.
Buhari, in a statement celebrating the former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), acknowledged Fayemi’s vital role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. He particularly praised his contributions to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which led to the historic defeat of the then-ruling party in the 2015 general elections, paving the way for Buhari’s presidency.
Fayemi’s Role in Strengthening Democracy
Reflecting on Fayemi’s political journey, Buhari described him as a statesman whose leadership continues to inspire Nigerians across all age groups.
“He stands tall as a statesman and a leader, inspiring others across Nigeria. Fayemi played an instrumental role in uniting various political parties into a formidable opposition, the APC, which accomplished the unprecedented feat of removing an incumbent government through the ballot box in 2015,” Buhari stated.
Beyond party politics, Buhari highlighted Fayemi’s deep-rooted activism in the struggle for democracy. He recalled his involvement in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and other pro-democracy movements that championed good governance and freedom in Nigeria.
“His contributions to the presidential campaign, both as its director of policy and as a key figure in the democratic struggle, will be remembered by political leaders across the country,” Buhari added.
Political Maturity and Resilience
Buhari also commended Fayemi for his grace and political maturity, particularly in how he handled his loss in the 2014 Ekiti governorship election. Rather than holding grudges against those who opposed him, Fayemi accepted the outcome with dignity and used the setback as a stepping stone for future success.
“Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but JKF was made differently. Instead, he went back to the drawing board, recalculated, and convinced the people to give him another chance four years later,” Buhari remarked.
As Fayemi celebrates his milestone birthday, Buhari’s tribute underscores his lasting impact on Nigerian politics, both as a reformer and as a steadfast advocate for democracy.
