2023: Female candidates converge on Kwara to chart roadmap for electoral victory

From Mumini AbdulKareem, Ilorin At least 40 female candidates on the platform of various political parties have converged on Ilorin, Kwara State to strategize on how to emerge victorious in the forthcoming 2023 general elections. They spoke at a two-day mentoring and coaching workshop for female candidates in Kwara/Kogi organised by the Women for Radio […]

From Mumini AbdulKareem, Ilorin

At least 40 female candidates on the platform of various political parties have converged on Ilorin, Kwara State to strategize on how to emerge victorious in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

They spoke at a two-day mentoring and coaching workshop for female candidates in Kwara/Kogi organised by the Women for Radio and Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC).

The programme was supported by UN Women and the Government of Canada.

In her remarks at the event, the Action Alliance Deputy Governorship candidate in Kwara State, Mrs. Princess Victoria Oluwayemisi Bamidipo, said the programme serves as eye opener to some of them on some of the important things they hitherto take for granted.

“This workshop enlightens women, especially we the candidates on most of the things we didn’t understand before. I now understand that gender is not all about male or female.

“We have learnt the importance of working with our agents, which we often take for granted. This is aside trainings on before, during and post-election strategies as well as knowing the constitutional guidelines relating to our political careers.”

She further emphasised that women now know what to fight for and what not to, so they wouldn’t be making wrong accusations/decision.

Also speaking, the NNPP House of Assembly candidates, representing Ogori-Mangogo Constituency in Kogi State, Hon. Agela Amao, advised women to come out and participate in politics massively.

According to her, “Women can do it better because we feel the pains more than men. We know what is happening in Nigeria as of today. We know the weak points and how best to approach issues better.

“This is coming even as the federal government passed the new Electoral Act, which guarantees improved level-playing ground for everyone, as well as improve women fortune in politics.”

In her presentation, Mrs. Emmanuella Azu, of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center revealed that the workshop was the 5th of the 7th states taking place.

Azu said, “The whole essence of this is to have female representation at the end of 2023 general election. We look forward to seeing more women at parliament, and at various elective positions, not just appointments.

While responding to how women could make a difference, Mrs. Azu noted that, “Having more women in the parliament means we would have more gender-sensitive laws, and sustainability development for the country adding that, “Any system that is stewed towards any genders is actually problematic for the country.”

The Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, on her part said the programme become necessary in view of the number of women currently in political positions in Nigeria.

“We intend to build and strengthen their capacity so that we can have more women in leadership positions.”

In his lecture, Development Expert and facilitator at the event, Mr. Jide Ojo, stressed that the new Electoral Act will benefit women the most, citing a case of guaranteed fair election.

Speaking on the theme: “Electoral Landscape and Framework, Mr. Ojo maintained that, “All shenanigan practices done by men to relegate women won’t be possible any longer under the new Electoral Act. Even, Returning Officers, unlike previously, doesn’t have absolute power to declare winner anymore.

“With the use of electronic voting, you can follow up the votes cast from INEC website and do the parallel tabulation to establish evidence. There is need to encourage women candidates to deploy reliable agents to polling units that can challenge misconducts.

“You are also to improve your social capital, to be known as a person of integrity, be pro-less privileged people, be relevant in your local community as well as in your religions organisations”, he submitted.