Female Absence Sparks Concern in Edo State Gubernatorial Elections

As the Edo State gubernatorial elections approach, a youth leader from the Edo North senatorial district, Osaigbovo Logan Okunbor, has raised concerns about the absence of a female figure in the campaign train of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Okunbor, an executive of the National Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN), believes that the lack of visibility of Blessing Okpapi, the wife of APC gubernatorial candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, could be a missed opportunity to engage with the crucial female demographic in Edo State.

According to Okunbor, the absence of a female figure in the campaign has sparked curiosity and speculation. He noted that Senator Okpebholo has been actively campaigning across the state, often accompanied by his daughters, but the conspicuous absence of his wife has raised questions about the strategy behind her exclusion from public speaking engagements.

Okunbor stated that historically, candidates in Nigerian politics have used their family, especially their spouse, to connect with voters, particularly women. He pointed out that the pressure on the campaign organisation to involve Mrs Okpapi more actively, including calls for her to address the electorate, has been significant. However, both Senator Okpebholo and Hon. Blessing Agbomhere have reportedly opposed the idea, insisting that Mrs. Okpapi remain silent during public appearances.

Okunbor expressed concern that 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. He further stated that 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.

The absence of Mrs Okpapi from the campaign trail has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the decision. Okunbor’s comments have added to the growing concern that the APC may be missing an opportunity to connect with female voters in the state. As the elections approach, it remains to be seen whether the APC will reconsider its strategy and include Mrs Okpapi in its campaign efforts.