Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has urged Nigerian women to scrutinize the records of the presidential candidates running in the 2023 elections and vote based on how each has treated women in politics in the past.
This comes as he reiterated his commitment to including women in his administration if he is elected President of Nigeria in 2023.
He promised them more leadership opportunities in his administration, recalling that he gave them 40% when he was governor of Anambra State.
Obi made the new pledge on Tuesday at the Voice Of Women VOW2022 Conference at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
Obi stated that the country cannot make long-term progress if it continues to ignore women, who make up roughly half of its population.
According to him, the VOW2022 Conference and Awards are timely for setting an agenda for a more inclusive and accountable Nigeria beginning in 2023.
Obi said;
This country cannot make sustainable progress if we continue to leave 50% of the population, which are women behind. As Presidential Candidates speak to Nigerian Women from across the country at this event, it is good for the women to listen to what we have to say and then look at what we did before now – our respective antecedents – when we had the opportunity to bring them to the leadership table.
Women need to vote right, looking at antecedents on inclusivity agenda. Beyond that, they must vote for candidates they can trust on the scales of capacity, competence, character and proven commitment to the yearnings of Nigerian women. Do not accept us based on what will tell you we will do: have we proven it before now?
Women Are Committed, And I Remain Committed To Them
The Labour Party candidate emphasized the importance of women in leadership and politics, claiming that women are more trustworthy and get things done better.
He promised to give them more opportunities to use their potential if elected in 2023 than he did as governor of Anambra State.
In his words;
I had 40% women in my cabinet in Anambra state because I have found out that women were far more committed and trustworthy. When you need work done and done satisfactory, get a woman to do it and you will not be disappointed.
I am committed to making sure that I will carry women along, bring them to the leadership table where decisions are being made, and also allowing them to utilize their potentials for the betterment of Nigeria.- PO”