You got the ticket of your party to represent Ado State Constituency of Benue State. But ever since getting the ticket, what have been your challenges as a woman and a mother?
We had our primaries through the Option A4 or what is known as direct primaries, which is so tasking, hectic and demanding. This system, though transparent, demands rigorous campaigns to sell yourself to the party members all card-carrying member. About the post-primary challenges as a woman, first of all, after I won the ticket, I was approached by some people that lost the struggle for the ticket of the bigger pafrties to sell out to them and when I refused, it was like a tug of war. But I thank my party for standing solidly behind me and to the grace of God, I still have the ticket.
Another major challenge has been that of finances, as a youth candidate and a woman without a political godfather or sponsor, it has not been easy but because we have the people behind us, we are sure of victory in the March 2 election.
How did you even secure the ticket in a political clime where women and youths rarely get parties’ nod to pick tickets?
SDP is a youth and a gender friendly party; it is fully in support of the 35 per cent principle of affirmative action for female inclusion in governance. So, when I won the primaries as a female, I was jealously guided and protected. Secondly, seeing that my prospects were high and I have the capacity and the competence to deliver, it was easy for me to defeat other candidates. As a youth and a woman, I was able to connect with the people directly and the women and the youth saw themselves in me. This is the appeal that I have and one that I know will work to my advantage in the election.
As a young candidate, there is the belief that you are coming with fresh ideas. What do you seek to do differently in developing your constituency?
I am looking at three major areas, which are the major points of my manifesto. These are health, education and youth/women empowerment. Education is the bedrock of development in any society; I am not promising to give heaven and earth but I am promising to give the children access to quality education, which will be the key to access all the good things of life. Working together with the executive arm, we will revamp the health sector, and create job opportunities for youth and women.
I also have bills I want to sponsor concerning the welfare of the aged, the revolution of security and other bills as the need will arise. The rest of the details are in my manifesto. But one thing I can promise is that my constituents will experience a new dawn if I am given the opportunity to represent them.
What do you think are the chances of the SDP in the governorship race and other elections in Benue State?
This question becomes imperative in the face of the fact the state appears to be a two-horse race between the PDP and APC.
The SDP’s chances are very high due to the several cracks in the bigger parties. SDP only needs a little push, because the people are ready to try something new. The bigger parties are just a recycler of politicians; SDP offers the opportunity of a new breed of politicians with fresh and innovative ideologies, as can be seen in the party’s manifestos. Besides, SDP is not a new part; it has a record and has left a good legacy and foundation for us to thrive on.
Vote-buying has been a major challenge in the body-politic, how do you intend to surmount this challenge if the other parties resort to buying votes?
Politics in Benue is different; when the people don’t love you anymore, there is nothing you can do about it. The electorates will collect the money and still vote for the candidates of their choice. As for March 2 election, we have the people’s favour, so vote buying will not be a threat.
One can say that you are one of the beneficiaries of the Not Too Young To Run campaign, which led to the law that lowered the age of candidates for political positions. What is your advice to fellow youths out there with regards to political participation and contesting in elections?
The youths must keep on pressing; it’s our time to take up the mantle of leadership in the country. They should not be discouraged by the challenges and they should come with the mindset of selfless service to the nation and together we will build a better Nigeria.