Fundamentals of Power Play: How to Win Before the Election

By Ogiri John Ogiri.

In your pursuit of power, remember this:

1. Have what to say. Know when and where to say what you have to say. Do not speak to impress; speak to communicate. Use a variety of language options if you can. 

2. Be humble: You can win the most recalcitrant people with this.

2. Be loyal but be as wise as a serpent. You can break into the minds of the most difficult kings.

3. Do not overlook too many people and things. Everyone is important. Attend functions in religious houses. Talk to people- intellectuals, religious leaders, market women, youth groups and associations among others.

If you find a community with an electoral power indispensable to your future victory, court their king. If possible, take a wife from an influential family in that community. 

4. Do not trust too many people. Be wary of the few ones you trust.

5. Keep to the basic principles of the game. Avoid scandals by all means.

6. Choose your enemy wisely.

7. Do not be anyone's friend for too long lest you become enemies. Do not be anyone's enemy for long lest you become friends again.

8. Get engaged in community development and advocacy projects. Identify the people's problems, mobilize supports for them. Mobilize them to solve them.

9.Dress like the people you want to address. That way,  they can see you as one of them.

10.Be careful with the use of money. Not everybody can be bought with money.

11. Have a great memory of people's names. Call them by their names. Have a great sense of history. Take them down memory lane ; where they have been, where they are coming from and where are going. Tell them what you can do drive them to their desired destination.

® Ogiri John Ogiri.