My experience in the Edo State gubernatorial primaries as a Former Labour Party aspirant is a significant testament to my determination and resilience in the face of cultural and systemic challenges. During my campaign, I encountered pervasive skepticism regarding the viability of a female governor in Nigeria. The establishment and many of my co-aspirants were entrenched in the belief that a woman could not be elected as governor, despite recognizing my capabilities.

I tirelessly campaigned throughout the eighteen local governments to sell my vision for a better Edo and worked to prove my competence among 28 male aspirants. I demonstrated my intellectual capacity and presented well-thought-out policies and strategies aimed at addressing the state’s issues. However, the prevailing cultural biases often overshadowed my efforts. The common refrain I encountered was not about my qualifications or potential to govern, but rather about the logistics of protecting votes in a political environment where power struggles are seen as a “do or die” affair. This mindset has led us to elect the wrong people into power. It is also fair to say we did this to ourselves because political office is often given to the highest bidder, not based on competence. This creates a division in leadership choices where the people’s voices do not matter, and a lack of accountability results in bad governance.

In cases where the highest bidder lacks competence, we see the consequences of poor leadership. Conversely, when you have competence but are not the highest bidder, the odds are stacked against you. Even if you possess both competence and the means to bid highest, you often have to engage in unethical practices to win. When you have no money, it doesn’t matter how selfless, intellectually capable, or ideologically sound you are—if you are a woman, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for you to aspire to office.

Interestingly, despite the doubts cast on my candidacy, I found myself frequently consulted on strategies and decision-making processes during the primaries. My intellectual acumen and strategic thinking were valued, highlighting a paradox in the political landscape: while there was confidence in my abilities, there was a cultural reluctance to embrace a woman as a leader.

My experience underscores a critical point in the pursuit of true democracy: the inclusion of competent women in leadership roles is essential. Until women are fully integrated into the decision-making processes at the helm of government, the true dividends of democracy cannot be realized. Training and empowering women have a ripple effect on society, encapsulated in the adage, “If you train a woman, you train a nation.” My journey in the Edo State gubernatorial primaries is a poignant reminder of the need to break cultural barriers and embrace gender inclusivity in political leadership.