Two things Fayemi can do before Tinubu returns to Nigeria

Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, has some chances to outshine Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2023 general elections. Even there is no better opportunity for Fayemi than the current one that he may not even notice. There are two special things Mr. Fayemi needs to do before the former Lagos State governor returns to the country.

Recall that Fayemi himself was in London some days ago. He went to check the ailing national APC leader and Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu was also there to see how Tinubu is fast recovering. But it should be noted that politics at times could be about opportunity one gets and how one is able to use the clear chance. Now, a chance is staring at Kayode Fayemi.

The All Progressives Congress has fixed October 2 for its much anticipated state congresses. On that day, the party members would elect their state chairmen in all the states of the federation. Barring all unforseen circumstances, the exercise would go as planned and Fayemi needs to act fast.

He should visit most of the states in the southern region. He may not consider the southwest region because Tinubu’s influence is ubiquitous in the region. And it is highly possible for Fayemi to have some influence in Ekiti State and Ondo State. Hence, he should go to south-south and southeast states.

Luckily enough for him, he is the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and he can easily walk up to any state governor. He should carefully select some states whose governors he can convince. He should talk to them about the need to elect party members who believe so much in Fayemi as the APC state chairmen.

It is important for Fayemi to also meet key southern leaders in the APC. His attention should be on the influential politicians like Ovie Omo-Agege, who is the deputy senate president, Rotimi Amaechi, Festus Keyamo, Timipire Silva among others. If Fayemi can use the state congresses to establish himself, he would have gone far before Tinubu returns.

The second step is for Fayemi to lobby the northern leaders. There have been debates from the northern elite that north couldn’t be stopped from contesting the 2023 presidential election. Specifically, the popular and powerful Northern Elders Forum said that north would throw its hat into the ring and it would rely on the voting strength.

Fayemi may not have to bother himself about the NEF, but there are some northern leaders whose words can change things in the region. He needs to meet Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who is also a former governor. The man said that zoning formula isn’t constitutional few days ago. And he needs to be convinced. Fayemi can do that.

Lastly, Fayemi can use this opportunity to tour northern region. It is pertinent that he can gain advantage of the region if he does this in a well designed manner. He needs to meet top governors of the region including Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Bello Matawalle, Babagana Zulum and Mr. Simon Lalong. And he can get the support of the men.