A former Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has attributed the victory of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, in the Ekiti State governorship election, to the grassroots politics he acquired from Kwara State.

Fayose had defeated the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

According to him, Fayose emulated his grassroots orientation from Saraki's political dynasty.

He noted that the late Dr. Olusola Saraki and his political machinery in the state were constantly in touch with those at the grassroots.

He spoke on Sunday on the sidelines of an empowerment scheme organised by a member of the House of Representatives for Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim.

Saraki, currently Chairman, Senate Commitee on Ecology and Environment said politicians who distanced themselves from the grassroots would never win elections.

He said, "Our people should not be deceived by the Abuja politicians. It is only when election closes by that you see them, after the election, they take to their heels, having been defeated in the poll.

"Remember that in 2011 when they came around, we showed them power belongs to the people and the same thing we would be replicating in this coming election. We know how to do it because people of Kwara are now politically awakened.

"This is the time for change, and the change has come. Our political structure continued to hold sway due to the love that exists among the people. And I must also tell you that the PDP candidate in the Ekiti governorship election derived the grass-root political tactics from Kwara."

Ibrahim said the gesture was aimed at empowering his constituents. He urged the beneficiaries to maximise the empowerment opportunity to improve on their well-being as well as ensure that APC was united at all levels.