Former Governor of Ekiti State and prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has explained that his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was motivated by a desire to personally commend the president for the bold economic reforms he has initiated, which he believes are crucial to stabilising Nigeria’s troubled economy.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, June 10, after a private meeting with the president at his Lagos residence, Fayose emphasised that his visit was not political but borne out of national interest. He said it was important to support President Tinubu in the face of mounting national challenges and to encourage him to stay the course.
“My visit is personal, to further encourage him to continue to do what he’s doing for Nigerians,” Fayose said. “No one is saying it is easy, but there is no miracle that can turn things around overnight. These are difficult decisions, but necessary ones.”
The former governor acknowledged that the reforms spearheaded by Tinubu have yet to yield immediate results, but insisted they represent foundational steps toward long-term recovery.
He praised the administration’s efforts at stabilising the naira and taking courageous measures to address structural weaknesses in the economy.
“There is a clear distinction between instant change and laying the groundwork for recovery,” Fayose noted. “The economy was in shambles, and now it’s being stabilised. That in itself is a sign of progress. What the president has done so far gives hope to Nigerians. These are tough but hopeful times.”
Fayose, who has long maintained a cordial relationship with President Tinubu despite their differing party affiliations, reiterated his longstanding admiration for Tinubu’s leadership style.
“Even when I was a sitting governor under the PDP, I had always believed in his leadership. I did not hide my support for him, even before he became president,” Fayose stated. “Leadership is not easy, and what we, as elders and leaders of thought in this country, must do is to encourage those in power to succeed — not undermine them.”
Amid widespread speculation that his visit could signal a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fayose categorically dismissed such notions. He made it clear that he remains firmly committed to the PDP and has no intention of switching parties.
“Let me be clear on this — Ayo Fayose is not leaving the PDP. Not for APC or any other party,” he declared. “I am 65 years old this year. I have come a long way in this party.”
Nonetheless, he did not shy away from criticising the current state of the PDP, warning that the party was facing a serious existential crisis if internal reforms were not urgently pursued.
“Without a doubt, the PDP is in deep trouble — and that is the plain truth,” Fayose said bluntly. “If corrective steps are not taken swiftly, the party risks becoming a carcass — an empty shell of what it once was. People are defecting for various reasons — yes, some are attracted by Tinubu’s performance, others are disillusioned by the PDP’s internal crisis.”
Fayose urged political actors to rise above partisanship and focus on national development, adding that what the country needs at this moment is leadership, unity, and the courage to make difficult but necessary decisions.