Fayemi recalls being called ‘Tokunbo’ during 2010 Ekiti governorship race

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has recalled how his political opponents tried to portray him as an outsider during his campaign for the state’s governorship in 2010.

Fayemi made the disclosure in the book How To Win Elections in Nigeria, authored by media entrepreneur and convener of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Seun Oloketuyi.

Fayemi, who served as Ekiti governor for two non-consecutive terms, said his opponents labelled him a “Tokunbo” or “Atohunrinwa” politician because of his extensive political activities outside the state.

He, however, said his academic background, political connections and grassroots mobilisation helped him overcome the perception and win the election.

Fayemi noted that there was no one-size-fits-all political structure for winning elections, stressing that candidates must understand the peculiarities of the state where they are seeking elective office.

He added that aspiring candidates need the backing of influential party leaders, including governors, elected officials, 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 that Ekiti’s largely monolingual population and shared cultural values made its political environment distinctive.

“At the point I entered politics, state politics had assumed a violent edge and become toxic,” Fayemi recalled.

He said the political opposition in the state was searching for a candidate capable of challenging the then administration, following the defeat of the progressives in the 2003 election.

Fayemi said his campaign consequently highlighted his academic credentials, including his PhD in War Studies, as well as his international and civil society experience and involvement in the pro-democracy struggle through NADECO and Radio Kudirat.

He added that his profile was further strengthened by reports about him in The New York Times and The Economist.

According to Fayemi, the support he received from Ekiti’s intellectual community gave him broad appeal among the aspirants, particularly because of the state’s reputation as an intellectual centre.

“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,” he said.

Fayemi said the strategy was supported by an extensive grassroots campaign and an eight-point agenda centred on welfare and development.

He, however, stressed that the strategy that worked in Ekiti might not necessarily deliver the same outcome in another state.

Reflecting on his 2018 re-election bid, Fayemi said he adopted a different approach, focusing on his relationship with the Federal Government and his achievements during his first term in office.

“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.