Ex-Gov Fayemi denies Amaechi’s claims on founding ADC coalition

…reaffirms loyalty to APC

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has denied claims by former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding his alleged involvement in the formation of the coalition platform, African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amaechi was quoted over the weekend as saying that he and the former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum had initiated talks on the need for an opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu.

“Fayemi and I began the coalition discussion, and we subsequently agreed to broaden it so that it would involve more than just the two of us talking about starting a new party,” Amaechi reportedly said during an X Space chat titled Weekend Politics on Friday.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Head of his Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described the reports as false and misleading, insisting he remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fayemi explained that his ongoing engagements across the country on how to deepen democracy should not be misconstrued as a defection from the APC but rather as a commitment to Nigeria’s progress and development.

“In an era where fabricated or distorted statements are often attributed to public figures for malicious purposes, we are cautious about engaging with potentially manufactured controversies designed to provoke or profit. It is possible that Hon. Amaechi did not make the statement or was misquoted.

“We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr. Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the APC in Ekiti State. At various public forums, he has consistently affirmed his dedication to the party, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed.

“Dr. Fayemi maintains relationships across political, religious, ethnic, and regional divides, often participating in conversations on how to deepen democracy and address national challenges. These discussions do not amount to leaving the APC. If he were to leave, he would announce it himself and not through a third party.

“We understand that speculation about his party affiliation may stem from his limited public appearances nationally, as he has been engaged as a Visiting Professor at King’s College London and as the founder of the Amandla Institute. However, in Ekiti State, he remains actively involved, attending leadership caucus meetings and publicly endorsing the Governor for the forthcoming election.

“We urge the public to treat any news about Dr. Fayemi with caution, especially when it originates solely from social media,” the statement concluded.