Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A group on the platform of the Youth for Equity and Empowerment Initiative (YEEI), has called for the use of demographic insights as a basis for planning and making decisions in selection of flag bearers in the forthcoming party’s primaries, saying such guarantees inclusiveness and equity in the nation’s politics.
Truth Live News Media reports that YEEI is a registered incorporated trustee under the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, established in December 2013. Its primary mandate is to encourage and support more young individuals, including women, to actively participate in political offices and positions across Nigeria.
Onaivi Ojo-Ashipa in statement made available to newsmen in Benin, said, YEEI in a comprehensive study, discovered that individuals from the 1950s generation have consistently been prominent contenders for the positions of State Governor and Deputy Governor in Edo State, noted that the trend is expected to continue in the upcoming Edo 2024 gubernatorial election if Edo people are not call upon to ensure that a young dynamic youth of Edo State is given the opportunity to govern the state.
Onaivi noted that over the past 24 years, the governorship and deputy governorship roles in Edo State have predominantly been occupied by individuals from the 1950s generation. They have successfully held these positions while in their 40s through 50s, and there is a prevailing momentum for their continuation for another eight years.
According to him, a retrospective look at the roster of those contesting for the position of governor and deputy governor in the last 24 years revealed a pattern of representation from the 1950s generation.
According to YEEI, “Governor Lucky Igbinedion born in 1957 became Governor at the age of 42, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe born in 1955 became deputy governor at 44 years, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor born in 1951 was elected as governor of Edo State at the age of 56, Mr. Lucky Imasuen born in 1960 was elected as deputy governor at the age of 50.
“Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomole became the governor of Edo State at the age of 56, Dr. Pius Odubu born in 1957 became deputy governor at the age of 51, Mr Godwin Obaseki born in 1957 became Governor at the age of 59, Senator Roland Owie born in 1945 became governorship candidate at the age of 58, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) born in 1954 became governorship candidate at the age of 58 while Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu born in1962 became governorship candidate at the age of 54.
“The upcoming party primaries indicate a significant number of aspirants from the 1950s generation vying for the governorship position.”
While acknowledging their active participation, YEEI advocates for equity, fairness and representation spanning across different generations. “The initiative proposes the consideration of younger generations or a blend of both older and younger generations as flag bearers and running mates in the forthcoming Edo 2024 Governorship Election should be taken into consideration.”
Onaivi emphasized that this proposition is not an act of resistance or revolution against the 1950s generation but rather a humble call for inclusiveness and equity.
The organization urged political party leaders, stakeholders, and influencers to use demographic insights provided as a basis for planning and decision-making during the selection of flag bearers in the upcoming party primaries.
This approach, he stated takes into account the sensitivity of Edo citizens’ voting behavior and responsiveness, as observed in the recent general elections.