Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says Nigeria’s current economic and political environment under President Bola Tinubu is very different from the one under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos after visit to the President, Fayose noted that while he remains a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he has always believed in Tinubu’s leadership and still supports him personally.
“Well, even when I was in office as a PDP governor, a sitting governor, I’ve always believed in his leadership. And I did not hide my support for him even before he became the president,” he said.
Fayose explained that his support is based on what he believes is the President’s effort to bring stability to the economy and the Nigerian currency. According to him, though conditions remain tough for ordinary Nigerians, there is visible progress in Tinubu’s early policies.
“There is no miracle. But stabilising the economy, stabilising the currency. And few courageous steps the President has taken and the achievements of this administration put hope in tomorrow for all of us,” he added.
He described the economic situation inherited by Tinubu as “down,” stressing that the government is now trying to steady things rather than offer quick fixes.
On why he chose to visit the President despite being a senior PDP member, Fayose said the visit was a personal one, not linked to politics or party defection. He stated that his goal was to encourage the President to stay on track with his plans for the country.
“No one is saying it’s easy, but there’s no miracle that can turn around things overnight,” Fayose said. “For the little the President has done, we must commend him.”
When asked about ongoing political defections, especially from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fayose made it clear that he had no intentions of leaving his party.
“I, Ayo Fayose, will not move from PDP to any political party, not even APC. I’m this year, 65 years. It’s within the choices of those who’ve chosen to move,” he said.
He also noted that some of those leaving the PDP may have done so due to the President’s performance and internal issues affecting the opposition party, which he described as heading towards collapse if not addressed.
Despite being a known critic of the Buhari administration in the past, Fayose said the current leadership cannot be compared with what was in place before. He believes Tinubu deserves support in trying times.
“So, for me, I’m here to take the opportunity of his homecoming to visit him. And to encourage him to do more for Nigerians,” Fayose concluded.
