FORMER Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC), this is even as he reaffirmed his commitment to the party.
In a statement titled ‘Nothing Has Changed’, Fayemi clarified that he remains a founding member of the APC and has not defected, contrary to circulating media reports.
Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Fayemi stated: “My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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.”
He, however, emphasized his continuous advocacy for greater internal democracy and inclusion within the ruling party.
“While I have been at the vanguard of the demand for greater internal democracy and inclusion in the ruling party, I believe it is still not too late for our party to change course and move towards greater inclusion and internal democracy,” he added.
His statement comes amid rumours that some key members of the APC including ex-Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola, ex-APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu and others are planning to join to former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai to defect to Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai on Monday, announced his defection from the APC.
In a statement posted to his verified Facebook Page on Monday afternoon, Mr El-Rufai said he was leaving the political platform he helped form and joining the opposition Social Democratic Party, (SDP).
The former governor hinted in an Arise News interview on 24 February that he might leave the ruling party.
“I am still in the APC and will remain until when they have completely failed on their founding obligations,” the former governor said in response to a question about his future political plans. “I did not leave the party, the party left me. I will surely leave it and don’t rule that out provided it does not return to the founding principles.”
As Kaduna governor, Mr El-Rufai campaigned vigorously for President Bola Tinubu’s election. He was thereafter nominated for a ministerial position, but the Senate withheld his confirmation, citing a report from the State Security Service (SSS).
Of recent, the former governor drew the battle line with the APC and has been vociferous in his criticism of the ruling party and some of its officials.
Eighteen-Eleven Media