With the Edo State gubernatorial elections fast approaching approach, Osaigbovo Logan Okunbor, a youth leader from the Edo North senatorial district, has raised important concerns about the absence of a female figure in the campaign train of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The absence of a female figure in their campaign train according to him is a missed opportunity to engage with the female population in Edo state and this seems like a bad look for APC as there are alot of speculations about this matter and no concrete reason has been given as to why.
He also pointed out the lack of visibility of Blessing Okpapi, the wife of APC gubernatorial candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, from the campaign trail.
“Despite this pressure, both Senator Okpebholo and Hon. Blessing Agbomhere have reportedly opposed the idea, insisting that Mrs. Okpapi remain silent during public appearances.
“Historically, candidates in Nigerian politics have used their family, especially their spouse, to connect with voters, particularly women,” Okunbor stated.
He however made notice of Senator Okpebholo who has been actively campaigning across the state in the company of his daughters.
However, the very obvious absence of his wife has sparked so much curiosity and speculation.
He said: “We observed that Mrs Okpapi was present at the campaign flag-off for the three senatorial districts, led by prominent APC figures such as Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Matthew Urhoghide.
“Despite this, her role has been largely invisible, thereby raising questions about the strategy behind her exclusion from public speaking engagements.”
Okunbor, an executive of the National Youth Association of Nigeria, NYAN, said her exclusion from public speaking has fuelled speculation about the reasons behind the decision.
“The lack of a visible female figure in Okpebholo’s campaign could be seen as a missed opportunity to engage with the crucial female demographic in Edo State,” he added.
“The mystery surrounding her absence might be interpreted in ways that could potentially harm Okpebholo’s credibility among voters who value family unity and transparency.”
This decision made though best known to Okpebholo can significantly affect his campaign efforts. We hope the looks into the matter and addresses it accordingly as now more than ever we have a lot of women now actively participating in the political space.
Please we would like to hear your views on this matter, do drop your comments down below.