Most of the politicians these days have a large number of toadies around them.

In the context of the question, the politician is surrounded by people who are only interested in gaining his or her favor. These people are not true followers or supporters, but rather they are sycophants who are only interested in what they can get from the politician.

The other options are not as accurate descriptions of the people who surround the politician.

• Option A, followers, is too general. It does not specify that the people who surround the politician are only interested in gaining his or her favor.
• Option B, professionals, is also too general. It does not specify that the people who surround the politician are only interested in gaining his or her favor.
• Option C, servants, is not accurate because it implies that the people who surround the politician are working for him or her. In reality, they are only interested in gaining his or her favor.