President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong and passionate tribute to Dr. Kayode John Fayemi, a leading figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and a former governor of Ekiti State, as he marks his 60th birthday.
In his message, President Tinubu underscored Dr. Fayemi’s critical contributions to Nigeria’s journey to democracy, particularly during the turbulent 1990s, when both men fought side by side against the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha.
In his tribute,
President Tinubu emphasized their shared history as members of the pro-democracy movement, which was deeply engaged in efforts to dismantle military rule and restore democratic governance to Nigeria.
During the oppressive Abacha regime, when civil rights were severely curtailed, Dr. Fayemi emerged as a brilliant strategist, mobilizing both local and international support for the movement.
His commitment and strategic acumen were indispensable in the relentless fight against the military junta, which included efforts to secure the release of Chief MKO Abiola and reverse the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
President Tinubu recalled the severe repression activists faced during this period, with the military government clamping down on media outlets like The Guardian, Tempo/The News, and Punch, and imprisoning journalists and civil society leaders.
It was in this environment that Dr. Fayemi, along with fellow activists, played a decisive role in founding Radio Kudirat, a vital pro-democracy radio station that broadcasted news and updates from the movement both within Nigeria and globally.
The station, named in honor of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola—who was murdered by agents of the Abacha regime—served as a powerful tool for resistance, countering the regime’s propaganda and giving a voice to those who opposed the dictatorship.
The death of General Abacha in 1998 and the subsequent shift in Nigeria’s political landscape marked a turning point for Dr. Fayemi and his comrades. With the military junta on its last legs, Dr. Fayemi was at the forefront of the movement to guide Nigeria back to civilian rule.
In 1999, he returned to Nigeria, where he founded the
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an organization dedicated to promoting democratic governance, peace-building, and security across Nigeria and the broader African continent.
Dr. Fayemi’s influence extended far beyond his academic and intellectual endeavors, and in 2006, he transitioned into politics as the candidate of the Action Congress (AC) in the Ekiti State gubernatorial race.
Though initially defeated in the controversial 2007 election, Dr. Fayemi’s determination and commitment to justice led him to challenge the results. After years of legal battles, his victory was affirmed in 2010, after a re-run ordered by the Election Petitions Tribunal.
This victory was a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to democracy.
President Tinubu also praised Dr. Fayemi’s instrumental role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, which united opposition parties to challenge the entrenched rule of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
As chairman of the
APC presidential primaries panel, Dr. Fayemi helped pave the way for the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari. His organizational and leadership skills were pivotal in the successful 2015 presidential campaign, which resulted in the historic defeat of an incumbent president and the end of the PDP’s 16-year hold on power.
Dr. Fayemi’s political career continued to evolve, and he returned as the Governor of Ekiti State in 2018, where he served two terms despite economic difficulties.
President Tinubu commended his leadership in Ekiti and his contributions to the governance of the state, even as it faced significant fiscal challenges.
The President also highlighted Dr. Fayemi’s role in the 2023 presidential race, where, despite being a strong aspirant for the APC nomination, he demonstrated exemplary humility and camaraderie by stepping down in favor of President Tinubu.
This selfless act underscored Dr. Fayemi’s commitment to the party and to the national interest, further solidifying his reputation as a man of principle and dedication to Nigeria’s future.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu celebrated Dr. Fayemi’s multifaceted legacy as an academic, author, administrator, development expert, and, above all, a tireless servant of Nigeria’s democracy.
He wished Dr. Fayemi continued health, success, and fulfillment in the years ahead, acknowledging his deep, lasting impact on
Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s unwavering dedication to the struggle for democracy and his tireless work as a statesman and leader will continue to be remembered as an integral part of Nigeria’s journey to freedom and
democracy.
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