Inclusivity Concerns: Ondo State Gubernatorial Election Lacks Female Representation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the definitive list of candidates and their respective running mates for the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election scheduled for November 16. This information was disclosed through a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, and was made available on the commission’s website via X on Thursday, June 13.

Olumekun announced that detailed profiles of the candidates and their running mates have been distributed at the INEC state and local government offices within Ondo State.
In adherence to Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two political factions, specifically the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), conducted new primaries to replace their initial nominees and running mates by the specified deadline of 10 June. Additionally, five political parties, which include the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), only substituted their running mates.

According to a report, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorunfemi Ayodele (Labour Party), and Akingboye Benson of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are among the 17 candidates competing in the November 16 election.
However, Olumekun pointed out that none of the 17 candidates and their deputies are female. He stated, “In total, 17 political parties have nominated candidates for the election. No political party has presented a female candidate, but one candidate selected by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has a disability (paraplegic). The final list also outlines the candidates’ demographics in terms of age and educational qualifications.” Olumekun further added, “The list has been posted at our Akure office and has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public review.”

In a related development, report has it that the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Ode-Aye Ward 1, Okitipupa LGA of Ondo state suspended Engr Folake Omogoroye, a female gubernatorial aspirant, from the primary election held on Saturday, April 20. This action marks Omogoroye as the most recent aspirant to face suspension following Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo South Senatorial District.
The suspension notice was conveyed through a letter released to the press on Monday, May 27, evening by the party’s executive committee in Ode Aye Ward 1, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.