
24/06/2024
THE SELLING OF YAYI'S GOSPEL AND THE CRAFT.
Olajide, A
In my last article which i themed 'Striving towards political equity; Yewa/Awori should produce governor in 2027', i got many feedbacks that i will share in this article. I see some of the feedbacks as a hint and identifications of grey areas that are crafting for a clear statement and clarification from Hon. Yayi's handlers.
I'm not really surprised with some of those feedbacks that are negative, i understand that the heat of lies and rumors is always turned on the favourable candidate pre or post election. So if a candidate name and character hasn't been malign especially among his kinsmen, such candidate should considered himself as unpopular.
When i first released the article to the public, it doesn't gain momentum until a senior colleague seek my permission to use it on their news website. The first feedback i got was from a man who called from Ado odo. He audaciously told me to stop promoting Yayi's candidacy because Yewa/Awori doesn't want him.
So i stunt him with a question that who is Yewa/Awori preferable candidate that has the experience, popularity and warchest to confront the like of LADO, Sharafa Ishola and others? He couldn't give satisfactory answer till he disengaged the phone call.
The negative feedbacks persisted until one of the callers presumptuously said what could have been the underlying factors for the negative responses. The guy called and he didn't allowed me any complimentary greetings. As soon as i picked the call, he instantly raining abuse on me to go and get something good doing with my life rather than promoting unsellable candidate among Yewa/Awori indigenes.
His rant ended with the insinuation that could have been the underlying factor of the negative feedbacks i received from other callers. He ended his conversation with "Ki awon eeyan kan l'ero wipe awon le wa impose ajeji le'wa l'ori?". Before i could probe futher, he immediately hung up.
Understandably, the tapestry of our political histories wouldn't short of such propaganda. The leading candidate in any political contests would always be the target of malignant to weaken his political base and popularity. Sponsored distaction is a craft that's synonymous to political wizardry in Nigeria.
But the best way to deal with it is a networking of purpose and unison of ideologies among all the foot soldiers. It's base on this wise, it's important for all the political platforms working for Yayi's candidacy to understand the fundamentals of political crafts to ensure the victory of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola in 2027 to win Ogun state governorship seat in 2027.
Politics is indeed a craft and I think the following points will make the learning of the craft easier.
1. Craft a Compelling Narrative: Every successful political campaign begins with a powerful narrative. Develop a compelling story that highlights the candidate's background, values, and vision for the future. It's essential to resonate with your audience
2. Know Your Audience: Understanding the demographics, preferences, and concerns of your target audience is crucial to tailoring your messaging effectively. Conduct thorough research to identify key voter segments and develop messaging that speaks directly to their needs and aspirations.
3. Utilize Multiple Communication Channels: In today's digital age, political campaigns must leverage a variety of communication channels to reach voters. From traditional methods such as television ads and direct mail to more modern approaches like social media and influencer partnerships, a multi-faceted approach will ensure your message reaches a wider audience.
4. Engage in Active Listening: Selling a political candidate isn't just about talking – it's also about listening. Engage with voters through town hall meetings, community events, and social media platforms to understand their concerns and priorities. Demonstrating empathy and responsiveness can go a long way in building trust and rapport with potential supporters.
5. Focus on Authenticity and Transparency: In an era of heightened skepticism towards politicians, authenticity and transparency are key qualities that voters value. Ensure that your candidate's messaging is consistent, honest, and reflective of their true values. Avoid making promises that cannot be kept or resorting to negative campaigning tactics that may alienate voters.
6. Mobilize Grassroots Support: Building a strong grassroots movement can be a game-changer in a political campaign. Encourage supporters to volunteer, donate, and advocate on behalf of your candidate. Empowering grassroots supporters can help amplify your message and generate momentum leading up to Election Day.
7. Monitor and Adjust: The political landscape is dynamic, and no campaign strategy is set in stone. Monitor key performance indicators, track voter sentiment, and be prepared to make adjustments based on real-time feedback.