Upholding Inclusivity and Equality in the LP Gubernatorial Race: A Call to Action

Dear friends and supporters,

Recently, our party unveiled the guidelines for the upcoming gubernatorial race in 2024. Unfortunately, these guidelines exclude inclusion of women and persons with disabilities. This decision stands in stark contrast to other parties like PDP and APC, which recognized the importance of granting concessions to these marginalized groups and inclusion in the democratic process.

As a matter of principle, I find this exclusion deeply discriminatory. Women and persons with disabilities have long endured marginalization, disenfranchisement, and oppression within the political sphere. Despite the commendable increase in female participation within our party’s highest offices, my appeals for inclusivity have fallen on deaf ears.

Furthermore, the exorbitant price of nomination forms has been a point of contention, with myself and 19 colleagues advocating for a reduction. Regrettably, this plea has also been ignored, further fracturing our party. As a UN ambassador advocating for the rights of women, youth, and children, I believe it’s a grave mistake not to provide reduced fees for the hard working average men and women who may lack the financial means to run for other elected office or to become delegates. This by itself have made the party mute transactional and alienated the party faithful both here and in the diaspora.

Additionally, some of our leaders have betrayed the trust of the electorate who supported our party. It’s disheartening to witness individuals within our ranks prioritize personal gain over the party’s ideology and values that unite us as a family.

While my support for the party remains steadfast, I implore us to come together and chart a path forward. We must address the grievances of those who feel sidelined while aligning with the recommendations of international bodies like the UN and the World Bank, specifically on a Gender Strategy 2024 – 2030 to Accelerate Gender Equality for a Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Future.

It’s imperative that we strive to achieve gender parity by ensuring women occupy at least 35% of leadership roles in politics and government, as advocated for in countries like Nigeria. As of December 2023, women constituted 61.3 percent of the Rwandan parliament (lower or single house), making it the country with the highest share of women in parliament worldwide. Cuba had the second highest share of female MPs with 53.4 percent, followed by Nicaragua.

As we discuss zoning the governorship to Edo Central based on fairness and justice, the inclusion of women from this area is paramount. Therefore, let us ensure that every voice is heard and valued in our political landscape.

Signed
Amb Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie
LP Gubernatorial Aspirant