Fayemi’s Ambition Alters Ekiti’s Political Equation
Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s, recent declaration of interest for governorship of Ekiti State, writes has changed the political equation in the state
AMay 5 primaries until the speculation about his Virtually all the aspirants from the south and intention grew. northern extractions, like Dr. Wole Oluyede, Hon. With his declaration of interest, the equation Bamidele Faparusi, Muyiwa Olumilua, Chief Sesan has now changed. Before now, aspirants from the Fatoba and even the Director General of Kayode south believed that they could successfully engage Fayemi campaign organisation in 2014, Hon. Bimbo those in the contest in a political battle and bring Daramola, had advised Fayemi against running. It the ticket to the south. But with Fayemi’s entry, the was a general consensus among them that it would zoning now seems endangered and the songs have be better for him to remain a leader than to be flexchanged. The affected aspirants are now intensifying muscles with his political protégés. ing their campaigns to ensure that the ticket doesn’t But last week, Fayemi openly shunned this advice slip off their fingers, because they were not obliviand threw his hat in the ring. To the consternation of ous of the fact that defeating a former governor like all party members, He spoke for the first time like a Fayemi in the primary would be an uphill task. typical politician. He regaled members with slangs
“Let me say this, Fayemi’s interest may make this and his oratory power shook the land. He gave his zoning of a thing to be unrealisable. He has solid people a sign of hope, as he assured that the APC at structures in APC and being a serving minister, the national and state levels were resolute to deploy he has enormous connections and strong financial all logistics that would make the party win the poll. war chest to outsmart us,” one of the aspirants told Speaking with journalists in Isan Ekiti, his counTHISDAY last week. try home, Fayemi said he had learned a great lesson
The aspirant, who is from the south, said though from his disastrous defeat of June 21, 2014 while Fayemi’s popularity had plummeted even within seeking re- election, saying this experience and what the party, this he said had not degenerated to the he did in Ondo would be of great benefit to him in level that he would not be able to muster at least five the election. delegates in each of the 177 wards to defeat others. He said he decided to tarry a while so that he With this, he said, it was obvious that the party’s would not breach the Electoral Act and Independent ticket was a done deal for Fayemi. National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) laid down
Fayemi’s interest has been received with mixed rules, saying he would formally notify his party at feelings. While some people he was too elitist to the state secretariat of the party anytime from April be elected14.again,otherssaidthelargenumberof aspirants that had declared their intentions in the He said he was never a coward and not afraid to party had eroded his support base. declare openly for his intention to re- contest despite
But the declaration held in Isan Ekiti on March 31, opposition by some people, saying he is running 2018 dispelled this erroneous thought. The gatherbased on his track records and not out of power ing confirmed how strong and potent Fayemi’s seeking venture. political strength was in Ekiti. Many of the party He said: “Yes, I will run for the governorship of big wigs were present at the occasion. Even the state our state. As a leader of the party, I am going to folChairman, Chief Jide Awe, who had been out of low the due process as laid down by our party and circulation for some time over an alleged murder the Independent National Electoral Commission case suddenly surfaced. (INEC). This includes formal notification of the lead
There is widespread belief, however, that Fayemi ership of the party, presentation of letter of intent at is banking on his closeness with President Muhamthe state secretariat and a public declaration. madu Buhari to outwit other contenders. Even “I am running based on track records, which you Governor Ayo Fayose had at various fora accused can’t controvert. We will lay it bare for people to see. him of plotting with some external forces in APC to My government did social security for the elderly, rig the election and destabilise the state. renovated all schools, we established Peace Corps,
Again, Fayose’s sudden thinking that his preYouth in Commercial Agriculture, youth volunteer decessor should be probed three years after he scheme, paid bursary and scholarship, established assumed office vividly attested to the threat posed Traffic management Agency, constructed roads, by Fayemi to the continuity agenda of the present among others.” government.