Former Ekiti State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ayodele Fayose, has stated that the current state of the nation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is significantly different from what it was under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Fayose, who reaffirmed his longstanding belief in Tinubu’s leadership, noted that the President is taking steps to stabilise both the economy and the naira, which he claimed had declined under the previous administration.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos after paying a Sallah visit to the President, Fayose addressed questions about his visit despite belonging to the opposition party. He explained that his support for Tinubu dates back to his time in office as a PDP governor.

“Even while I was a sitting PDP governor, I had always believed in Tinubu’s leadership qualities. I openly supported him long before he became president,” Fayose said. “What we must do now as leaders is encourage him to keep going. Governance is no easy task.”

He acknowledged the challenges of economic recovery, stressing that while there are no instant solutions, the President’s early efforts to stabilise the economy and currency deserve commendation.

“There’s no miracle to fixing the economy overnight,” he added. “But some of the bold decisions the President has taken so far give us hope for the future.”

Fayose described his visit as personal and emphasized the importance of supporting Tinubu in his efforts to improve the nation.

“No one is saying it’s easy, but we must acknowledge the progress made. I criticised the last administration extensively, but today’s reality is different,” he said. “I came here simply to welcome the President home and urge him to do more for Nigerians.”

Addressing the recent wave of political defections, Fayose clarified that his visit had no connection to any plans of leaving the PDP. He firmly stated that he remains committed to his party.

“I, Ayodele Fayose, will not defect from the PDP to any other party, including the APC. I’m 65 years old and not looking to switch allegiances,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged that those leaving the PDP may be doing so because of Tinubu’s performance and the internal crisis plaguing the opposition party, which he warned could soon become a “carcass.”