Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has firmly refuted circulating reports claiming he has abandoned the All Progressives Congress (APC), characterizing such stories as unfounded speculation amid growing political realignments within Nigeria’s ruling party.
The speculation about Fayemi’s political future gained traction following Monday’s high-profile defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Various reports had grouped Fayemi among disgruntled APC stakeholders allegedly planning mass defections due to unresolved internal conflicts within the ruling party.
Taking to social media platform X to address the rumors directly, Fayemi left no ambiguity about his political affiliation: “My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the All Progressives Congress. As I have had cause to state in the past, I am a card-carrying foundation member of the APC, and this position has not changed.
The emphatic denial highlights the delicate political climate currently surrounding the ruling party, as various factions and personalities navigate their relationships with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Fayemi, who governed Ekiti State for two non-consecutive terms and previously served as Minister of Solid Minerals Development, remains an influential figure within APC’s internal power structures.
Political analysts note that while Fayemi acknowledged his recent advocacy for improved internal democracy and greater inclusivity within the party, his statement indicated a preference for reform from within rather than abandonment. The timing of these rumors is particularly significant given El-Rufai’s defection,” noted political scientist Dr. Amina Ibrahim of the University of Ibadan. “There appears to be an expectation that we might witness a cascade of high-profile departures from the APC.”
The speculation surrounding potential APC defections comes at a challenging time for Nigeria’s political landscape. The Tinubu administration faces mounting economic pressures, including persistent inflation, currency volatility, and widespread public dissatisfaction with the pace of promised reforms. These conditions have created an environment where political realignments seem increasingly plausible.
Fayemi’s decision to remain within the APC fold, despite whatever reservations he might harbor about current party dynamics, suggests he perceives greater political utility in working within established structures rather than joining opposition forces. His statement that the party “still has time to resolve its internal disputes” indicates both criticism of current conditions and optimism about potential remedies.
Senior APC figures privately express relief at Fayemi’s public recommitment to the party, particularly following El-Rufai’s departure. Every high-profile defection risks creating momentum that could ultimately threaten party cohesion,” confided a party official who requested anonymity. “Fayemi’s statement helps stabilize perceptions about the party’s unity.”
The contrasting paths chosen by El-Rufai and Fayemi – former governors who both wielded significant influence within APC circles – illustrate divergent approaches to navigating political disappointments. While El-Rufai opted for a clean break by joining an opposition party, Fayemi appears committed to internal advocacy for reform.
Political observer Hassan Mohammed of the Centre for Democracy and Development suggests these different approaches reflect contrasting personality types as much as political calculations. “El-Rufai has always positioned himself as something of a political maverick, whereas Fayemi tends toward more measured, institution-building approaches. Their responses to similar frustrations consequently differ substantially.”
The rumors surrounding Fayemi’s political allegiance emerged amid broader speculation about potential realignments ahead of future electoral contests. Opposition parties have been actively courting dissatisfied APC members, hoping to strengthen their positions before the next electoral cycle begins in earnest.
For Fayemi specifically, maintaining his APC membership preserves his influence within Nigeria’s currently dominant political structure while avoiding the uncertainties that accompany party-switching. His status as a founding member of the party also carries symbolic weight that would be sacrificed through defection.
The former governor’s statement carefully balanced loyalty with critical engagement, acknowledging his advocacy for reform while reaffirming his commitment to the party’s broader project. This positioning allows him to maintain credibility both with party loyalists and with those advocating for internal changes.
Party insiders suggest Fayemi remains among several influential APC figures who have expressed concerns about decision-making processes and inclusivity within the current party leadership structure. However, unlike El-Rufai, these individuals appear committed to pursuing changes through established channels rather than through defection.
As Nigeria approaches the midpoint of the current administration, political watchers anticipate increased jockeying for position among various factions and personalities. Fayemi’s public recommitment to the APC suggests he sees his political future as remaining within the party’s ecosystem, despite whatever current tensions might exist.
The APC’s ability to maintain unity among its various power centers will likely prove crucial to its electoral fortunes in upcoming contests. Fayemi’s decision to publicly reaffirm his membership provides temporary reassurance to party leadership even as questions persist about other potential defections.
For now, Fayemi’s categorical denial has quelled speculation about his immediate political plans, though his acknowledgment of advocating for reform indicates that his loyalty to the party does not equate to unquestioning acceptance of its current direction.
