Tinubu: June 12 Struggles Were Sustained by Fayemi’s Intelligence, Dedication, and Strategic Skills
President Bola Tinubu celebrated the 60th birthday of his steadfast ally and former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, praising his brilliance, dedication, and strategic acumen—qualities that sustained the pro-June 12 struggle. In a heartfelt message titled “Tribute To Dr Kayode John Fayemi On His 60th Birthday,” personally signed by Tinubu, the president traced their political bond back to the 1990s. Following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential poll, pro-democracy activists emerged to challenge General Sani Abacha’s military junta, and during those turbulent times, Fayemi’s commitment and ingenuity were indispensable.
Reflecting on that era, Tinubu recalled how Fayemi’s leadership helped keep the pro-democracy movement alive, notably during campaigns for Chief MKO Abiola’s release and the push to overturn the annulled election. He described Fayemi as an able lieutenant, invaluable ally, and dedicated patriot. The president also highlighted Fayemi’s gracious decision during the 2023 All Progressives Congress presidential convention to step aside in his favor—an act that exemplified humility and camaraderie.
Tinubu recounted the hardships of the Abacha era—when civil rights activists, often in exile, had to rely on their resourcefulness amid relentless government crackdowns on newspapers and media outlets—and praised Fayemi for his role in launching Radio Kudirat in honor of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. This initiative was pivotal in keeping the spirit of the pro-democracy movement alive both at home and abroad.
After the demise of General Abacha and Chief Abiola in 1998, the political landscape shifted. Fayemi returned to Nigeria in 1999 to establish the Centre for Democracy and Development, a platform dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and security. His transition from a public intellectual to a political leader was solidified when he emerged victorious in a long, hard-fought electoral battle in Ekiti State—a contest that culminated in a court-ordered re-run and a declaration of his win in 2010.
Dr. Fayemi further cemented his legacy by playing a key role in uniting opposition parties into what became the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. He chaired the presidential primaries in Lagos that ultimately produced President Muhammad Buhari as the APC candidate and later served as the Director of Policy for the APC/Buhari Campaign Council, helping secure the historic 2015 presidential victory that ended 60 years of uninterrupted rule.
Returning to Ekiti as governor in 2018, Fayemi navigated severe economic challenges and left an indelible mark on state governance. With decades of collaboration in both national and party politics behind them, Tinubu lauded Fayemi’s contributions as foundational to Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Meanwhile, during a thanksgiving mass at St. Martins’ Catholic Church in Isan-Ekiti commemorating his 60th birthday, Fayemi spoke warmly of his successor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji. He praised Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership, which has fostered stability, progress, and development in Ekiti State, and stressed that their relationship is built on mutual respect and shared commitment to the state’s advancement.
As he reflects on his milestone birthday, Dr. Fayemi reaffirmed his dedication to public service, saying, “I am a product of grace, and I have countless reasons to be thankful to God at sixty.” His enduring commitment to Ekiti State and Nigeria remains as strong as ever, embodying the spirit of resilience and service that has defined his long career.
