Women Daring to Change Politics in Edo

What do an occupational therapist, a medical doctor, a lawmaker, a philanthropist and a gynaecologist have in common? They are all confronting male predominance in Edo politics. As the parties primaries kick off in February, these women, vying to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki in the upcoming governorship election later in the year, are hopeful that their journey to occupy the most prominent seat in the state will not be truncated at the primaries. How far they go remains to be seen. Vanessa Obioha writes a series of profile on these women 

The prospect of electing a female governor in Nigeria remains elusive. Despite the relentless pursuit of leadership by many determined and eminently qualified women in politics, it’s still an illusion that moves farther from reach with each attempt.

Only one woman, Virginia Etiaba, has occupied the governorship seat by proxy. Otherwise, Nigerians have predominantly witnessed women assuming roles as deputy governors.

Etiaba took the reins of power in Anambra State in 2007 when her principal Peter Obi was impeached by the state legislature. Three months later, an appeal court nullified the impeachment and Etiaba returned to her post as the deputy governor of the state.

Senator Aishat Dahiru Binani attempted to break the jinx at the 2023 general elections when the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa, Barrister Hudu Yunusa, initially declared her the winner of the state governorship election. However, it was later voided by the electoral umpire.

Before her, the former Minister for Women Affairs Minister and Social Development, Pauline Tallen took a bold shot at the governorship seat in Plateau in 2011, after serving as the first deputy governor in northern Nigeria. She emerged unsuccessful, losing to Jonah Jang.

Another woman who was very close to becoming a governor was the late Aisha Alhassan. In 2015, she was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State. She was defeated in the election re-run held on  April 25, 2015, but on  November 7, 2015, the tribunal removed Governor Darius Ishaku, and declared Alhassan winner of the April 11, 2015 poll. This was later reversed by the Appeal and Supreme Courts.

Since then, any female governorship aspirants have been finding their journey cut short in the primaries, often overshadowed by male counterparts who emerge as the preferred candidates for prominent parties. Interestingly, those securing governorship tickets tend to hail from lesser-known parties.

In Edo, the optics are no less different. In the last election in 2020, only two women made it to the ballot: Mabel Oboh of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Tracy Agol of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

As the political parties gear up for primaries starting in February, five formidable women are stepping into the political arena, ready to redefine the narrative dominated by men in the state. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and affiliations with the three major parties – the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) – these women aim to disrupt the status quo and increase female representation on the ballot come September.

As the race heats up, it remains to be seen if one of these women will emerge as the next governor of Edo State. Regardless of the outcome, their candidacies represent a significant step forward for women in Nigerian politics and a challenge to the long-standing male dominance in the gubernatorial arena.

They are Dr Victoria Amu, a U.S.-trained occupational therapist; Loretta Ogboro-Okor, a UK-trained consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist; Omosede Igbinedion, a former lawmaker; Princess Asha Okojie, a humanitarian and philanthropist; and Angela Aburime-Asom, a medical doctor.

Dr Victoria Amu-Edo is Ready for A Female Governor

Dr. Victoria Amu stands out as the sole female among over 11 APC members aspiring for the governorship seat in Edo. A dedicated party member for over 18 years, Amu played vital roles in the campaign council for former governor Adams Oshiomhole during his two terms, including service in the strategy and research committee. With a history of contributing to various campaign councils for senators and representatives, Amu, challenging the traditional role of women, aims for the main stage. Confident in Edo’s readiness for a female governor, she expressed her aspirations during a TV interview on TVC.

“Women have been playing several roles in Edo politics. When you take a look at the male contenders, they always have a woman beside them and the woman is strong. Do you want to say that the strong woman cannot be a party chairman in Edo?”

She continued: “We are gravitating towards where women now understand their role in politics and the men now understand that in order for them to win, they need the women.

“So for me, as a woman coming into the contest, I’m going to have the support of all the women because it is time for women to showcase their skills; it is time for women to govern the state and we are going to see it in this particular election.”

Amu is a U.S-trained occupational therapist from Owan West LGA in Edo North.

Loretta Ogboro-Oko Time to Shake the Table

A UK-trained consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Loretta Ogboro-Okor is one of the governorship aspirants in the Labour Party.

Since declaring her interest in the governorship race, Ogboro-Okor has consistently emphasised that her decision is driven by the goal of amplifying the voices of women in the decision-making process. “A lot of women are always at the back door, it is time we took our place in the political space. We have to be at the table so that we can shake it.”

Her motivation to join the race was triggered by her passion to improve the lives of her people.

Ogboro-Okor is not new to politics. Through her blog  “Loretta Reveals,” she advocates for gender inclusion as well as writing on politics and social reform topics. She was appointed to the Diaspora agency committee by Obaseki in 2021. She led the health care policy group in the Obi-Datti presidential campaign and participated as a panellist in a telethon for the LP’s candidate, Peter Obi. Additionally, she co-founded the Ashanti Graham Health and Education Foundation, focusing on capacity-building for healthcare professionals and recognizing outstanding graduating students in the medical field.  Ogboro-Okor was part of the Midwestern professionals led by Don Pedro Obaseki advocating for restructuring in Nigeria as a group. She is part of a team working to stop illegal migration and trafficking from Nigeria.

If elected, Ogboro-Okor disclosed that she would prioritise technology, education and healthcare. She puts it this way:

“We are looking at what I call THE PACTS. T stands for Technology, H is for Health, E is for Education, P is for Production and Infrastructure, A is for Agriculture, E is for Commerce and Job Creation, T is for Tourism and the Diaspora, and S is for Security.”

An Edo princess, Ogboro-Okor is also a Medical Simulator Expert and a Global Goodwill Ambassador.

Omosede Igbinedion  It’s Woman O’ Clock

Like the APC, the PDP has only one female governorship aspirant, Omosede Igbinedion.

Igbinedion is a prominent figure in Edo politics, having gained recognition as the youngest female member of the 8th Assembly of the Nigerian House of Representatives in 2015 under the platform of the PDP. She represented the Ovia Federal Constituency which consists of Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West Local Government Areas of Edo State.

She has served in various capacities in the Green Chamber, holding positions such as Deputy Chairman of House Services. She has been an active member of several committees, including those related to Local Content, Aviation, Downstream Petroleum, FCT, Judiciary, Rural Development, and Women in Parliament.

Beyond her political affiliations, she is also the daughter of the renowned businessman, philanthropist and the Esama of Benin Kingdom,  Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Igbinedion, who is also a barrister, is very confident that she will win the party primary. The former lawmaker, popularly known as ‘Lady Governor’  revealed that she was approached by elders of the PDP and other stakeholders to join the race because they believed in what she could do. Moreso, her desire to succeed Obaseki is to improve the socio-economic indices of the state.

“I want to make a difference in the lives of the people of Edo State. They have tried the men before, the men have done their best. I’m sure that a woman can certainly do better,” she said after picking up her nomination and expression of interest forms of the party in Abuja.

“I’m in this race for the women, I’m in this race for the youths. I’m in the race to basically give our gender a chance and the youths a chance. Like I said, it’s woman o’clock, it’s youth o’clock,” she added.

Princess Asha Okojie-A Transformative Future for Edo

Coming from a notable lineage of political and social leaders in Nigeria, known for their substantial contributions to the nation’s quest for independence and self-governance, Princess Asha Okojie is determined to bring about transformation in Edo.

A humanitarian and philanthropist whose impact cuts across politics and business, Okojie who is an LP governorship aspirant has been an active player in politics,  empowering youths to participate in the political discourse.

“People like me are those who have always tried to help people push agendas and policies,” she reportedly said.

Born in Uromi to the late Prince Albert Okojie, a prominent figure and founding member of Action Group (AC) and Midwestern Democratic Front (MDF),  Okojie’s mandate is to care for Edo people.

“I want to take care of Edo people, empower the youths, create jobs, and make life easy. Poverty, hunger, and illiteracy are at its highest. Solving these problems is what I want to bring to the table. I also want to increase the deficit in intangible assets. When I talk of intangible assets I am talking about skills, knowledge etc,” she told an online media platform.

Okojie’s overarching vision revolves around principles of equity, fairness, and justice. Her comprehensive agenda spans economic development, education, women’s empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, cultural heritage preservation, good governance, security, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability. With a robust background in health information management and administration, she brings a well-rounded approach to her vision for Edo’s transformation.

Angela Aburime-Asom-Answering the Call

“As a gentle dove, a mother commands the attributes of a courageous lion, the protectiveness of a hen, the swiftness of a leopard as well as large doses of empathy, knowledge, firmness, compassion, integrity, fairness and commitment to purpose,” reads the post on the LP governorship aspirant  Angela Aburime-Asom’s X account.

A distinguished medical doctor from the Edo Central senatorial district, Aburime-Asom emerged as the third female governorship aspirant for the Labour Party. Positioned as a visionary leader, she is dedicated to advancing progress and prosperity in Edo.

The paediatrician has made notable contributions to causes ranging from education to medical missions and healthcare development and is recognised for her commitment to innovation, inclusivity and integrity.