Fayemi Denies Viral Claim of Secret Political Meeting with Kwankwaso in Abuja
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has issued a strong denial regarding reports that he held a closed-door political meeting with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his Abuja residence. The viral claim, which circulated widely on social media platforms, has been dismissed as false and misleading by Fayemi's media office.
Statement from Fayemi's Media Office
In a statement released on Thursday by the Head of his Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described the report as baseless and urged the public to disregard it entirely. The statement emphasized that the viral post was accompanied by an old video clip showing Fayemi greeting Kwankwaso at his residence, which has been taken out of context to create a false narrative.
According to the clarification, Dr Fayemi has only met Senator Kwankwaso once in the past year, and that occasion was at a public event—the book launch of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN. The statement categorically denied any private political meetings between the two figures, stating: "At no time has Dr Fayemi held, or is he holding, any closed-door political meeting with Senator Kwankwaso as suggested by the post."
Personal Friendship vs. Political Alignment
Fayemi acknowledged that he and Kwankwaso have maintained a friendship since their time as state governors, but he stressed that this relationship is strictly personal and non-partisan. He explained that their bond is founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Nigeria's progress, rather than any political alignment or secret coalition-building.
The former governor cautioned against attempts by political actors to attach partisan interpretations to private relationships. He noted that many of his friends and associates are either not involved in partisan politics or belong to different political persuasions, reflecting the diverse spectrum of Nigeria's political landscape.
Context and Broader Implications
This denial comes amid growing speculation and reports about political realignments ahead of future elections. Fayemi's media office has previously addressed rumors about him leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) or co-founding new political coalitions, reinforcing his commitment to principled engagement and responsible public discourse.
The statement reaffirmed Fayemi's dedication to national unity and his role in fostering constructive dialogue across political divides. It serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information in an era where social media can quickly amplify unverified claims.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, such clarifications help maintain transparency and trust among the public, ensuring that personal friendships are not misconstrued as political maneuvers.
