A youth leader raises concerns about the lack of a female presence in the APC campaign train.

Osaigbovo Logan Okunbor, a youth leader from the Edo North senatorial district, has raised concerns regarding the absence of a female figure in the campaign team of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Edo State gubernatorial elections draw near. Okunbor believes that this could be a missed opportunity to connect with the important female demographic in Edo State.

The lack of visibility of Blessing Okpapi, the wife of APC gubernatorial candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, during the campaign has been brought to attention. Okunbor has noticed considerable pressure on the campaign organizers to involve Mrs. Okpapi more actively, including requests for her to address the electorate.

Despite this pressure, both Senator Okpebholo and Hon. Blessing Agbomhere have reportedly rejected the idea, insisting that Mrs. Okpapi remain silent during public appearances. Okunbor pointed out that historically, Nigerian candidates have utilized their families, particularly their spouses, to connect with voters, especially women.

Senator Okpebholo has been actively campaigning across the state, often accompanied by his daughters. However, the noticeable absence of his wife has raised curiosity and speculation.

During the campaign flag-off for the three senatorial districts, attended by prominent APC figures such as Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Mrs. Okpapi was present. But her role has been largely invisible, prompting questions about the reasoning behind her exclusion from public speaking engagements.

Okunbor, an executive of the National Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN), stated that the exclusion of Mrs. Okpapi from public speaking has sparked speculation about the motives behind this decision. He also added that the absence of a visible female figure in Okpebholo’s campaign could be seen as a missed opportunity to engage with the important female demographic in Edo State.

The mystery surrounding Mrs. Okpapi’s absence may be interpreted in ways that could potentially damage Okpebholo’s credibility among voters who value family unity and transparency.