Fayemi to declare presidential bid tomorrow — after ‘extensive consultations’

Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti state, will declare his intention to run for president on Wednesday.

Yinka Oyebode, his chief press secretary, said Fayemi’s decision to contest the 2023 presidential election follows “extensive consultations across the geo-political zones” in the last six weeks.

He said Fayemi had discussed with President Muhammadu Buhari, and “sought counsel, guidance and support” from traditional and political leaders across states in the country.

“Remarkably, Dr Fayemi kick-started the consultation in Owo, Ondo State, where he met with the Olowo of Owo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye. Thereafter, Dr Fayemi met with Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, (who was his Secondary School principal) and other leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, including Chief Olu Falae and Chief Cornelius Adebayo in Akure, Ondo State capital,” the statement reads.

“The Afenifere leaders did a frank assessment of current trends in the country and concluded that the country needs a leader, a democrat with character, courage and compassion at this critical period. They scored Dr Fayemi high on these points and gave their blessings for his aspiration.”