PHOTO: Fayose, Fayemi share bottle of wine — but not on election eve

Looking at the current situation in Ekiti, those not conversant with the past would think Ayodele Fayose, the state governor, and Kayode Fayemi, his predecessor, have always been on warring path.

Long before the state governorship election slated for Saturday, the political rivalry of the duo could easily pass as one of the most popular in the country. It could even be compared to that of Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo.

But the two have not always been like this.

A picture of the good old days when the two were more or less compatriots is currently in circulation. They could be seen sharing a table, relaxed, in what appears to be a party, with a bottle of wine in front of them.

In those days when their relationship used to be rosy, Fayose campaigned for Fayemi. That was during the 2010 governorship election. A candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the former minister of mines and steel development was seeking to defeat Segun Oni, who ran and won under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

But they fell apart and ran against each other in the last governorship election in the state. With backing of the federal government, Fayose pulled the rug off Fayemi’s feet.

This time around, Fayemi has the advantage as his party controls the government at the centre but it’s not clear if APC or PDP would carry the day.

As uncertain as the result is, one thing is sure. Even if both men will come together under one roof in future, it can’t be tonight. Politics sure springs surprises but not that of Fayemi and Fayose partying on the eve of a crucial election.