Many people have gained a large following in politics just because of the people they know. I believe that what makes people succeed politically is their influence in important political circles. This is evident in every area of life. The popularity you garner over time can take you a long way.
Some people say politics is a game of death. I strongly believe that politics is a game of influence plus opportunities. Those that have made it in politics are not particularly special. What marks them is the influence they wield. Some politicians naturally would’t have gotten as far as they have. Some do not really qualify for their current political positions. What helped them is influence and they were smart enough to maximize opportunities to influence folks.
In politics, influence has a vital role to play in any man’s political career. Never take it for granted; network with those people that can move your political career forward. People know you have a heart of gold but very few people see that. What people want to see are the people you associate with and who associates with you.
( Jeremiah Oluwaferanmi is a public analyst based in Ibadan).
