Former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has dismissed claims that he co-founded the African Democratic Congress alongside former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
The rebuttal came in response to Amaechi’s remarks during an X Spaces conversation on Saturday, where he stated that the ADC coalition “started with me and Fayemi in the house of Nasiru Danu with Salihu Mohammed and others.”
Amaechi had recounted how the coalition began as a reconciliation effort initiated by Salihu Mohammed, former APC national vice-chairman (north-west), to mend ties between himself and Fayemi.
He claimed the meeting later expanded to include other political figures, such as Senator Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State governor.
However, in a statement issued by his Head of Media, Mallam Sajoh, Fayemi refuted the claim, noting that no reputable media outlet had reported it and that there was no credible evidence to substantiate it.
The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress, stating he has no intention of defecting to another party.
The statement read: “We address the alleged claim by Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, that he and our principal, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, founded the new ADC coalition before expanding it to include others. Despite efforts to verify this statement, which has gained traction on social and digital media, we have found no credible evidence to support it. No video of Hon. Amaechi making these claims or reports from reputable media organisations have been located.”
The statement further cautioned against fabricated narratives, noting that public figures are often misquoted for malicious purposes. “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 Mr. Amaechi did not make the statement or was misquoted.”
Fayemi’s media office emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the APC, stating: “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 in Ekiti and nationwide, he has consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed.”
The statement also highlighted Fayemi’s public endorsement of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election bid under the APC, further reinforcing his allegiance to the party. “Furthermore, Dr. Fayemi has publicly endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State for re-election, clearly supporting his candidacy for the APC gubernatorial ticket. This underscores his loyalty to the APC.”
The statement concluded by acknowledging Fayemi’s broad political network, noting that while he maintains friendships across political, religious, and ethnic divides, his political home remains the APC. “We also wish to note that Dr. Fayemi is a politician and thought leader with friends and associates that span political, religious, ethnic, and regional divides.”