January 21, (THEWILL) – Until recently, Loretta Ogboro-Okor was the only female aspirant ready to slug it out with the growing number of male aspirants angling to occupy the Edo State government house as governor. Since she declared her intention, the number of women who have joined the race has increased by four with the latest entrant being Omosedei, the daughter of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osawaru Gabriel Igbinedion. Omosedei isn’t ready to quit politics having failed to return to the House of Representatives to represent the people of Ovia Federal Constituency, both in 2019 and 2023 after her first termmin 2015.
Omosedei who plans to actualise her ambition on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, made a big show of her announcement for the number one seat in Edo. She mobilised over 500 women and supporters all clad in similar ankara material and marched them to accompany her to inform her father of her intentions. She received her father’s blessings while also wishing to be the first Edo man to father two governors in his lifetime, should his daughter become successful at the polls.
The other women who have signified their interest in the race are Victoria Amua Amu, an occupational therapist trained in the United States and a philanthropist. She is the sole female aspirant within the All Progressives Congress (APC). There is also Asha Emily Okojie, a dedicated humanitarian and philanthropist who holds a bachelor’s degree in health information management and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She is the second female aspirant in the Labour Party.
Angela Aburime-Asom, a medical doctor from Edo Central Senatorial District, is running for the position under Labour Party as well.
Some of the men include Olumide Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association; Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer and board room guru; Philip Shuaibu, the current deputy governor and serial gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
About the Author
