As the Edo State gubernatorial elections approach, Osaigbovo Logan Okunbor, a youth leader from the Edo North senatorial district, has raised concerns about the absence of a female figure in the campaign train of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to him, the development could be a missed opportunity to engage with the crucial female demographic in Edo State.
He specifically pointed out the lack of visibility of Blessing Okpapi, the wife of APC gubernatorial candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, from the campaign trail.
He has observed significant pressure on the campaign organisation to involve Mrs Okpapi more actively, including calls for her to address the electorate.
“Despite this pressure, both Senator Okpebholo and Hon. Blessing Agbomhere have reportedly opposed the idea, insisting that Mrs. Okpapi remain silent during public appearances.
“Historically, candidates in Nigerian politics have used their family, especially their spouse, to connect with voters, particularly women,” Okunbor stated.
He noted that Senator Okpebholo has been actively campaigning across the state, often accompanied by his daughters.
However, the conspicuous absence of his wife, he noted, has sparked curiosity and speculation.
He said: “We observed that Mrs Okpapi was present at the campaign flag-off for the three senatorial districts, led by prominent APC figures such as Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Matthew Urhoghide.
“Despite this, her role has been largely invisible, thereby raising questions about the strategy behind her exclusion from public speaking engagements.”
Okunbor, an executive of the National Youth Association of Nigeria, NYAN, said her exclusion from public speaking has fuelled speculation about the reasons behind the decision.
“The lack of a visible female figure in Okpebholo’s campaign could be seen as a missed opportunity to engage with the crucial female demographic in Edo State,” he added.
He further commented: “The mystery surrounding her absence might be interpreted in ways that could potentially harm Okpebholo’s credibility among voters who value family unity and transparency.”