Fayemi: How opponents branded me ‘Tokunbo’ in 2010 guber race

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has recalled how his political opponents attempted to portray him as an outsider during his campaign for the governorship of the state in 2010. Fayemi disclosed this in a book titled How To Win Elections in Nigeria, authored by Seun Oloketuyi, media entrepreneur and convener of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. Fayemi, who served as governor for two non-consecutive terms, said his opponents described him as a “Tokunbo” or “Atohunrinwa” politician because of his extensive political activities outside Ekiti. He, however, said his academic credentials, political networks and grassroots campaign helped him overcome the narrative and secure victory. 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.

According to him, aspiring candidates must also secure the support of influential party leaders, including governors, elected office holders, political appointees, ministers and party executives. He 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. Despite the backing, Fayemi said he and his campaign team embarked on extensive grassroots mobilisation, visiting each of the state’s 177 wards at least three times and meeting key political leaders individually. He said the challenges he encountered during the 2010 election were relatively less difficult than those he faced when he returned in 2018 to seek a second term. Fayemi stressed that knowledge of a state’s political history and dynamics was essential to winning elections, noting…