As women continue to demand equal gender participation in Nigerian politics, one among the few courageous women in Ogun state’s commercial capital, Ado-odo/Ota local government, Princess Feyikemi Videun-Egbeyemi, on Tuesday, threw her weights in the ring to contest Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 general elections.
Princess Feyikemi, who said it was high time for women to represent the good people of Ado-Odo/Ota federal constituency, made her intention known on Tuesday at the secretariat hall of the local government.
While addressing party leaders and loyalists, Princess Feyikemi said that her intention to run for the post of House of Representatives was born out of the love and passion she has for the development of her local government. She added that there is a short-fall in how the people of her constituency are being represented in the hallowed chamber.
“I am offering to put myself forward to serve the people of this local government. It’s been a while that people have been urging me to run for an elective position and it’s time for me to hearken to their calls. There is an under-representation in this local government. We have in abundance both human and natural resources; but there are no laws that can better the lives of our people nor positively utilize the human resources”.
She said that if given the party’s ticket and eventually win the election, she will sponsor bills that will positively affect the lives of children, women and most importantly, the youth constituency. While urging the power brokers to consider women this time around as they have over the time, played an important role in the nation’s politics.
Speaking briefly to VOA News and other newsmen shortly after her declaration, Hon. Feyikemi said she was prepared to throw her weight in the ring as her aspiration is not to negotitate for any political appointment or whatever favour from the government but rather, to clinch the party’s ticket and then go on to win the election. She added that her experience in public service puts her in a comfortable position to be a good representative, if eventually elected into office while citing the giant strides of th Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. mrs Noimot Oyedele-Salako.
In an interview with the local government’s party leader, Hon. Mrs Waliat Ogunbiyi, she expressed confidence in the aspiration of Princess Feyikemi as one that will eventually ensure gender based representation if elected. She said though, the percentage of women among the party’s delegates is about forty, she is still convinced that she can garner votes from some men amongst the delegates.
Hon. Mrs Ogunbiyi said that Princess Feyikemi has an intimidating resumee and that the constituency needs her expertise and experience, most especially, at this time that Nigerians have almost lost interest in the political system. She pleaded with power brokers in the party, to test a woman this time around while assuring that they would not let the consituents and the party down.
Some of the notable dignitaries that graced the declaration of interest included; the Vice chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota local government, Hon. Mrs Saidat Animashaun, the house leader, Miss Bukola Balogun, women leaders of sixteen wards in the local government, among several others.
