By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Ahead of the National Assembly election scheduled for February 25, residents of Kosofe in Lagos State have expressed their preference for a female representative to represent the Kosofe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The three prominent female candidates for the election are Olubadan of the Labour Party, Florence Adepegba of the PDP, and Kafilat Ogbara of the APC.
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Many believe that gender should not be a barrier to attaining political positions, and the residents of Kosofe have also shared similar sentiments.
According to Omo’ba Awofeso Rasheed ololade, “The issue of democracy does not exclude any gender. I support equity, I am an apostle of good governance, and better representation than what we have had in the past devoid of ostracizing some group, community, or clan of the common good. Our hard-earned democracy must be respected and accorded the honor it deserves.”
Engr. Olusola Adedayo emphasized the need for gender equity and fairness in governance, especially in Nigeria where women’s representation in politics is significantly low.
According to him, it is essential to give women the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of their designated or preferred positions.
Engr. Adedayo’s statement is coming on the heels of the emergence of Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara as the incoming Member of the House of Representatives (MHR) for Kosofe Federal Constituency. Hon. Ogbara, who is a female, will be privileged to serve in a position that has predominantly been occupied by men in the past.
Kosofe residents believe that the election presents an opportunity to give a female candidate a chance to represent the Kosofe Federal Constituency.
Rotimi Ademola stated, “We have tasted men’s representation for about 24 years. However, the 2023 general election is another greater opportunity to prove the outgoing President Muhammad Buhari wrong that women’s responsibility is beyond the kitchen and the other rooms when women in political participation are increased in terms of representation.”
However, some residents hold a different opinion, and Omotayo Olawale expressed that the solution to Nigeria’s problems is to reject Kafilat Ogbara and vote for Florence Adepegba as a House of Representatives member.
Olawale stated, “The best way to reduce Nigerians’ pains and stress, hunger, and anger is to reject Kafilat Ogbara and to give Christians a sense of belonging in Kosofe political coloration.”
The residents of Kosofe urged fellow residents to cast their votes for candidates who view representation as service to humanity and not as an entitlement.
The upcoming election is a chance for the people of Kosofe to exercise their civic duties and choose a candidate who will best represent their interests.