Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as courageous steps in stabilising Nigeria’s economy, noting that the country’s turnaround will require time and patience from citizens.
Speaking to journalists on Monday night following a personal visit to the President at his Lagos residence, Fayose an outspoken member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—said Tinubu deserves praise for steering the country through a difficult but necessary reform period.
“My visit is personal, to further encourage him to continue to do what he’s doing for Nigerians. No one is saying it is easy, but there is no miracle that can turn around things overnight,” Fayose stated.
The former governor pointed to key economic moves by the Tinubu administration including the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira as essential steps toward economic stability.
“But for the little the president has done, we must commend him,” he added. “There’s a difference between things changing outrightly there’s no miracle but stabilising the economy, stabilising the currency, and a few courageous steps the president has taken, the achievements of his administration put hopes into tomorrow for all of us.”
Fayose, who was a vocal critic of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, said there is a noticeable difference in leadership under Tinubu.
“I was a one-time critic of the last administration, but you cannot compare the situation now,” he said.
He also disclosed that his admiration for Tinubu’s leadership dates back to his days as a serving PDP governor.
“Even while I was in office as a PDP governor, I’ve always believed in his leadership, and I did not hide my support for him even before he became the president.”
Despite his commendation of the APC-led government, Fayose strongly denied rumours of a potential defection to the ruling party.
“Let me first of all clear this. Ayo Fayose will not move from PDP to any political party, not even APC,” he said. “I am 65 years old this year. It is within the choices of those who are choosing to move.”
His comments come at a time of increasing political realignment across party lines, with several opposition figures engaging with President Tinubu.
Fayose concluded by urging Nigerians to exercise patience, stressing that real national transformation requires time, courage, and consistency.
