In the history of Nigeria, politics have never been gender based. It is for everyone. Many women have contested various political elective position and won. Some are still in race while some have retired but are not tired of accepting political appointments. In imo state, during the time of senator Chris Anyanwu, Kema Chikwe, Ada Okwuonu and others, women were waxing stronger in politics. In 2009, the then minister for transport and aviation minister Mrs. Kemafo Nonyerem Chikwe declared her interest in contesting for the governorship election in imo state. In 2015, former Senator Chris Anyanwu, under the political platform of PDP, declared her interest too in the governorship election of the state, but none of the won.
From our findings, it is pertinent to note that no women has ever won a Governorship election in Imo state. It has always been the men who have been at the helm of power over the women. Women have always occupied appointed positions like commissioners, local government chairpersons, ministers, etc.
Today, women are still in politics but cannot be found in Imo state 2023 governorship election schedule for November 11.
The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have drawn the curtain for registration on contestants for the November 11 Governorship elections in Imo with 17 names listed as viable candidates, but regrettably, there is no single female amount them.
Have you ever wondered why it is like this?
Many women are interested in the affairs of the state but some factors could have been the reasons for their absence in this year's Guber race.
From our in-depth findings, some factors could have contributed to the absence of women participation in the governorship tussle.
They are;
- political party nomination,
-Candidates selection
- individual choices
- women's relegation to the background due to African culture.
- High cost of nomination forms.
- High cost of campaign
- insecurity
- Fear of the unknown
- Negative perspective attached to women in politics
- lack of sponsor and God father's
- intimidation from men in politics.
- Lack of support from Family
- cultural and social barriers.
- Factions in some political parties.
- Gender discrimination.
- Lack of Courage and capacity to win, most especially in a sitting government, etc.
A lot of reasons have been deduced to their absence in the elections, while some have attributed insecurity, others viewed their lack of resources as a major factor.
Insecurity undoubtedly had been a major problem in South East and Imo currently is almost like the bedrock.
This women might not have forgotten in a hurry the last National Assembly and State Assembly elections characterised by violence and snatching of ballot boxes. These action associated with elections might have really instilled fear and apprehension in the minds of the women especially as perpetrators walk shoulder high in the full glare of the security agents.
Besides that, numerous attacks by gun men in virtually all parts of the State leaves no courage at all to the women folks that may want to summon courage.
As female candidates in Nigeria may face violence and intimidation during compaigns, which could discourage them from running for political offices, it is important to note that these challenges are not unique to Imo state and Nigeria, but are common in many countries around the world.
Elections today in Nigeria and Africa as a whole is a money spinning venture, no matter the pedigree of the contestant, money is still required to project the good intentions the contestant have, but most unfortunately, the resources is far from the reach of the women.
Some political parties sometimes need to apportion part of the blames because they don't really believe in the women and during their appointments or nominations, they tend to prefer the man who they think has the financial muscle and physical strength to maneuver.
Women generally in Nigeria often face discrimination and marginalisation in various aspect including politics. This could.make it difficult for female candidates to gain support and recognition from political parties and voters.
Political parties in Nigeria may not prioritize female Candidates which could make it difficult for them to secure party nominations and funding for their campaigns. This might have led to so many of the women of substance in the state to shy away from participation.
Notable names like the dou of erstwhile minister for state education, Professor Viola Onwuliri and Chinwe Obaji, are almost disappearing from the political circle. Same.can be said of about Ada Okwuonu, former deputy Governor, Imo state, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Miriam Onuoha, Honorable Uju Onwudiwe, Honorable Ngozi Obiefula, Lady Ann Dozie, Dr. Mrs. Angela Uwakwem, Doris Aniche, Ngozi Njoku, former Aviation Minister, Amb. Kema Chikwe, who would have been a very good representative but age is no longer on her side.
Conclusively, in the last general election in our country, twenty four women contested governorship election in some states as released by INEC. This number of women, out of the thirty six states in Nigeria, shows that women are not showing interest in politics because of the factors listed above.
This is a wake up call for the women, especially in Imo State to take the bull by the horns and participate fully in every given election because ..." Ochichi adighi Onye Oso nso !! "
