Female candidates cleared to contest the 2019 governorship election in Adamawa have called on electorate to give a woman an opportunity to govern the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five women are among the 28 candidates cleared to contest elections in Adamawa.
The women cleared to contest are: Bilkisu Shuaibu of Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), Lami Musa of People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN) and Na’ama Bulama of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA).
Others are: Rukayya Audu of Action People’s Party (APP) and Elizabeth Isa of Change Advocacy Party (CAP).
Some of the female candidates, who spoke with NAN in Yola said that given the opportunity, a woman can make a difference.
“I didn’t come out to play. Women as major stakeholders have been neglected and it is time to have a woman that can move the state forward.
“Our health care has collapsed; health workers are owed salaries.
“Unemployment is rising along other challenges. We need a committed woman like me to attend to these urgent needs, ‘’ Musa, a candidate of PPN, who is a retired nurse said.
Bulama of PPA said that Adamawa had for long been in bondage and must be rescued.
“I feel like a winner already because I am optimistic of winning.
“My state is in bondage and I want the electorate to give me the mandate to save it, ‘’ Bulama said.
Audu of APP said her emergence came as a surprise to her, saying that she was confident that God would give her the opportunity as a mother to address the plight of women and youths in the state.
“I want an opportunity to address the problem of our women and youth who have been marginalised.
“I am looking forward to the support of the electorate to emerge victorious and address their challenges, ‘’ she said.
Isa of CAP also expressed optimism about her chances and called on the electorate to try her for selfless service.
“I am out to make a big difference. I want to serve my state, ‘’ she said.
Also speaking on the emergence of women seeking number one seat in Adamawa, Charity Anaja, the state Coordinator of the International Republican Institute (IRI), encouraged women to participate actively politics.
“Is a step toward the right direction. The party primaries have always been the barrier most women face.
“So if we have five women, who have crossed the aspirants’ level to candidates, then we are gradually unbundling the barriers that limit women’s participation.
“Parties are now embracing inclusion of marginalised groups. This is a success story for Northern Nigeria and I am hoping other parties and other states will emulate the friendly practice,’’ Anaja said.
Kate Alyuda, the Adamawa Coordinator of National Union of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), described the development as encouraging and wished all the candidates best of luck.
“We want the electorate to give women a chance and I can assure you that most women won’t disappoint,’’ Alyuda said. (NAN)
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