Fayemi also revealed that his political opponents branded him a ‘Tokunbo’ politician during the 2010 Ekiti State guber race.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has recalled how he surmounted attempts by his political opponents to brand him a ‘Tokunbo’ politician during his campaign for the governorship of the state in 2010.
He narrated his experience in a book titled How to Win Elections in Nigeria, authored by media entrepreneur and convener of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Seun Oloketuyi.
According to Fayemi, during the poll, his opponents described him as a “Tokunbo” or “Atohunrinwa” politician to the electorate because of his extensive political activities outside Ekiti.
The two-term governor, however, added that his academic credentials, political networks and grassroots campaign helped him overcome the narrative and secure victory.
“Even though my opponents tried to dismiss me as a ‘Tokunbo’ or ‘Atohunrinwa’ (an outsider politician), having bold conviction and strong external networks carried the day,” Fayemi said.
While advising aspiring governorship candidates, Fayemi said there was no universal political structure for winning elections, stressing that candidates must understand the peculiarities of the state where they seek elective office.
He also noted that they must secure the support of influential party leaders, including governors, elected office holders, political appointees, ministers and party executives.
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The former minister also recalled that he was invited to contest the Ekiti governorship election by former governor Niyi Adebayo, who was then influential within the party and controlled a significant part of its political structure in the state.
On his 2018 re-election bid, Fayemi said he adopted a different strategy by highlighting his relationship with the federal government and his record during his first term.
“I emphasised my proximity to the centre and governance track record during my first four years in office, especially in light of the excruciating suffering of the citizens during the period my successor was in charge,” he said.
The ex-governor also said the emergence of a 24-hour news cycle had made political communication more difficult, stressing that politicians must take control of the narratives surrounding their campaigns.
“In my experience, you must own your narrative,” he said.
He added: “In politics, your work does not speak for you, no matter how well you have performed. You have to constantly communicate with your various audiences: the intellectual elite, social media spaces, and traditional grassroots publics.”
He further identified what he described as five “election gods” that political aspirants must satisfy, even when they enjoy the support of voters.
He listed them as the electoral management body, security institutions, the judiciary, non-state security actors, and the financial resources required to manage and coordinate election-related activities.
Fayemi further said candidates needed to maintain relationships with smaller political parties and their agents, while also cultivating relationships with independent observer missions in anticipation of possible post-election disputes, saying, “These are non-negotiable.”
