Ekiti 2022: The Candidate of our Dream

By Tanimola Kolade

“The best leaders have a high Consideration Factor. They really care about their people” — Brian Tracy

The race for Ekiti’s exalted seat has started. Interest groups have sprung up all over the place. A cursory examination reveals that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has candidates who have officially expressed interest and are already forming committees to help them win the coveted seat in Ekiti State.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing a scenario where no individual has publicly come out to announce his or her own intention. This is not unconnected with the fact that the party is ruling in the State and has a sitting Governor H.E Dr John Kayode Fayemi who is expected to have a huge say in who becomes the APC Gubernatorial candidate.

I like to digress a little by mentioning that recent events in Nigeria, especially the EndSars protest, have brought the “sorosoke” generation into the spotlight. The youth constituency in Ekiti State would have a significant say in who holds the highest office in the state. Any future candidate will have to take this into account when making plans.

It is worthy of note to state that Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration, which is performing admirably, is based on five pillars of growth: governance, agriculture and rural development, social investments, knowledge economy, and infrastructure and industrial development. These are laudable initiatives that should be emulated by his successor.

As a result, a foundation is being laid to propel Ekiti State to greater heights, and I believe that any future candidate, whether from the PDP or the APC, will build on these foundations to help Ekiti prosper.

Having said that, I believe any future gubernatorial candidate should possess the following characteristics:

• Have the ability to inspire and unite people.

• Must be acceptable to all(Party and the people)

• People-oriented, with the ability to link to the streets.

• Make a plan that includes youths and women.

• Be creative, as the world embraces the digital age.

• Should be compassionate.

• Should have capacity to attract development partners to Ekiti State.

All these, along with several others, will be addressed at a later time.

To sum up, CAN THE YOUTHS DARE TO DREAM?It would be joyous if a youthful candidate is considered, and this can be balanced if we still have a not too old candidate who recognizes the “sorosoke” generation.

Then we can truly say we have THE CANDIDATE OF OUR DREAM.