For a better Edo State and to the Glory of God, we now have a Labour Party Candidate for the September 21, 2024, Edo State Gubernatorial Election in the person of Barr. Olu Akpata. Today, I make this submission not in the capacity of gubernatorial aspirant of the Labour Party in Edo State, but rather as a humanitarian and advocate deeply committed to the rights of women, youths, and persons with disabilities. 

Over the past year, my mission has been to envision a brighter future for Edo State while actively combating the pervasive issues of hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and disenfranchisement. After dedicating months to thoroughly covering all eighteen Local Governments, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and passionately advocating for a better Edo State.

My decision to abstain from collecting the Expression of Interest Form after arriving in Abuja was not because I couldn’t afford it but was a deliberate choice to amplify the voices of the voiceless and to safeguard against the potential future marginalization and disenfranchisement that often targets women, youths, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, it stood as a principled protest against the exorbitant costs associated with these forms, reaffirming my dedication to promoting inclusivity within the Labour Party.

Furthermore, the revision of the previously free Expression of Interest Form for women has brought to light a significant disparity within our own party. This development was deeply troubling, as it underscored a lack of consistency in our approach to inclusivity and fairness. While there were some concessions made regarding the nomination form following my advocacy efforts, the oversight concerning youths and persons with disabilities remained unsettling. Additionally, the absence of clear implementation of party guidelines further emphasized the need for improvements in ensuring fairness and inclusivity within our political processes.

These changes not only stand in stark contrast to the inclusive practices of other political parties, such as the APC and PDP, but they also highlight a missed opportunity for our party to lead by example in fostering greater representation and participation from diverse segments of society. While it is recognized that no political system is flawless, these parties have taken proactive steps to address inequalities and ensure a more inclusive political landscape.

It’s important to stress that this decision wasn’t taken lightly; seeing the difficulties these communities encounter strengthened my resolve to oppose practices that might obstruct future political engagement. This dedication stems from directly experiencing the hardships and aspirations of marginalized groups during my extensive interactions across the State, motivating the decision to decline taking both the Expression of Interest (EI) and Nomination Forms, despite my preparedness.

As a party that prides itself on championing progressive values, it is imperative that we strive to match, if not exceed, the standards set by our counterparts. By doing so, we can reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable society where all voices are heard and represented. This entails not only rectifying the disparities highlighted by recent revisions but also proactively implementing measures to ensure that our party remains at the forefront of promoting inclusivity and fairness in the political arena.

This discrepancy not only challenges my position but also undermines my ethical principles as an advocate for the marginalized. It goes against everything I stand for to witness such disregard for the very people I’ve dedicated myself to fight for. I’m keenly aware of the global imperative inclusivity in the political process. It deeply troubles me to see our party deviate from these principles, especially when other political entities have shown unwavering commitment to inclusivity.

I expressed my deepest concerns at the LP reconciliation meeting in Abia, before His Excellency, Governor Otis Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State, where the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi, and his Abia State counterpart, Ceekay Igara, alongside the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, were present. Also in attendance were the member representing Oredo federal constituency, Edo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Esosa Iyawe, Deputy Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Okezie Nmeregi, and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. Furthermore, seven out of eight governorship aspirants in the February 23 Edo governorship primaries who attended the reconciliation meeting with Barrister Akpata were present at the Emeka Omeruo Government Lodge in Umuahia on Wednesday 18th February 2024. However, the recommendation made by His Excellency to refund some part of the money, in addition to other issues, is yet to be addressed.

I wish to highlight the recommendations from the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank regarding women’s inclusivity in political spaces. These recommendations have been adopted as part of a working document by the Governments and political organizations by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women. Also, Initiatives such as the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and the World Bank’s Gender Equality Strategy provide actionable steps for promoting women’s participation in politics. Embracing these guidelines is essential for our party as we strive to create an inclusive environment where every woman and youth is heard and given due consideration, particularly persons with disabilities.

It is imperative for our party to adopt similar standards as it is incumbent upon us to remains true to our foundational principles and ensure inclusivity, justice, equity, and fairness. This entails not only making forms accessible and affordable to everyone but also finding sustainable ways to finance the party’s activities without compromising our values. I believe in moving forward 100% concession should be given to women and 50% to youths in order to build the party, fully engage them in the political process, and genuine representation of the people. I aim to contribute to a more equitable political landscape in Edo state, where the concerns of all citizens, especially the marginalized, are heard and considered.

My commitment is towards building a robust and sustainable party that celebrates the diversity of women and youths rooted in the spirit of “One Edo” for Prosperity, Equity, Development, and Unity (PEDU) as well as embodies inclusivity, equity, and justice objectives). Therefore, it’s imperative that we strive to achieve gender parity in Nigeria. For instance, 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.

In my family, the torch of equity, fairness, inclusivity, and justice burns bright, a legacy passed down through generations. From my late grandfather, King Ogbidi Okojie, who valiantly opposed British colonization, to my uncle, retired Cardinal Olubumi Okojie, whose activism was a beacon for social justice, inspiring countless individuals to advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, and my late uncle, Chief Anthony Enahoro, a founding father of Nigeria’s independence. Not to be forgotten is my late father, Hon Prince Albert Okojie, OON one of those visionary leaders who played a pivotal role in moving the motion for the creation of Bendel State, instilling within me a deep sense of duty to uphold these values. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide my commitment to fostering progress, prosperity, and the well-being of our community.

Today, I carry forth this torch of equity and justice, fueled by the sacrifices and struggles of those who paved the way before me. It is a torch that I hold dear, a beacon of hope in a world too often clouded by darkness. And as I continue on this journey, I pledge to honor the legacy of those who blazed the trail, working tirelessly to build a future where fairness, inclusivity, and justice prevail for all.

I’m deeply grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have stood by me. Though my gubernatorial bid has ended, the quest for a fairer society continues. I solemnly pledge to persist in advocating for a future where every voice, regardless of origin, resonates in shaping our shared destiny, for the betterment of our community and our state as a whole. 

Oba gha tor kpere, Ise. God bless Edo State, God Bless the Republic of Nigeria.