Sen. Biodun Olujimi (PDP-Ekiti South) has warned those considering gender as a factor in the Ekiti governorship election in 2022 to stop insulting women.
Olujimi stated this on Sunday while formally declaring her intention to run for governor in 2022 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform in her ward 7, Omuo Ekiti, the headquarters of the state’s Ekiti-East Local Government Area.
According to the former Senate Minority Leader, people should instead focus on their capacity and competence to deliver democratic dividends to them.
According to her, there is nothing spectacular about being a governor that warrants it being reserved solely for men.
“I feel insulted and offended when some people suggest that women should not be governors of states,” he said.
Olujimi, who stated that she does not believe politics is a man’s world, went on to say that “what is happening on the ground is not about men or women.” It is about growth, inclusion, and a desire to serve our people.
“That is why I believe it will be nothing spectacular, especially since I have been there before.”
“This isn’t going to be my first time.” Nowadays, I hear stories about how it isn’t the right time for women. I’m both hurt and offended.
“When I became Commissioner of Works and Transport, it was not time for women.” When I became Deputy Governor, it was also not the time for women.
“When I was elected to the House of Representatives, it was not a time for women.” “It was not a time for women when I went to the Senate and became Deputy Minority Whip while also being re-elected to the Senate,” she explained.
According to the senator, the issue of gender is now being raised because the governorship election has been expanded beyond its original scope.
“To me, it’s about capability, competence, and required knowledge, not gender.”
“For the first time, no woman was present, with the exception of Anambra, where a woman inadvertently became acting governor.” So, what’s the problem with ensuring inclusivity? “I believe I have what it takes to be a state governor,” she said.
Olujimi stated that for the sake of equity and justice, all political parties fielding candidates for the election should choose from the southern zone, which has not produced a governor since the return of democracy in 1999.
“I’ve never stopped saying that the southern zone has been marginalized.” It’s something I’ve never stopped saying. I’ve been a driving force behind the push for a power shift to the zone.
“The reason for this is that if you are a true born of the zone and witness marginalization, you either speak up or remain silent forever.”
“There are three senatorial districts.” Mr Segun Oni, from the northern region, served as governor for three and a half years. Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Lagos, is nearing the end of his eight-year term. They would have spent eleven and a half years if they added the two.
“Also, in the central zone, Chief Niyi Adebayo served for four years, followed by Mr. Ayodele Fayose for eight years, for a total of 12 years.” The southern region has done nothing. Why?
“If you don’t allow the south now, it means they’ll have to wait another eight years to run for governor, and the state would have existed democratically for 32 years without a southern governor,” she explained.
The former deputy minority whip, on the other hand, believes that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could be defeated if the party chooses the right candidate.