By Ayodele Oni
Ahead of November governorship election in Imo state, a Group, Imo Women Matter (IWM) has reiterated its call on political parties to field women as their deputy governorship candidates in the forthcoming election in the state.
Convener of the group, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of Ondo state Governor, who made the call in a statement, urged political parties, especially those that were yet to field female deputy governorship candidates to take advantage of the May 26 window for substitution of candidates to do so.
She frowned at the exclusion of women in governance and political representation in the state and called on political parties and stakeholders to address the matter
Mrs Akeredolu recalled efforts made by the IMW to ensure gender parity in governance and political representation to include writing letters to political parties on the imperative of fielding their female faithful as deputy governorship candidates.
According to her, the group also held a press conference in Owerri and would sustain engagements with the leaderships of political parties and critical stakeholders on the issue.
The Ondo State First Lady expressed happiness at the willingness of some political parties not only to accede to the demand of the group, but also extend the frontiers of gender inclusion in political activities.
She pointed out that the group’s priority is the promotion of gender parity and mainstreaming in Imo State and the country.
Mrs. Akeredolu emphasized the need for the commitment of political parties towards achieving gender parity, stressing that lip service would not be acceptable to women in Imo State.
From investigations, only the Labour Party has nominated a woman, Edith Ekwugha, as running mate to its Governorship Candidate, Athan Achonu.
The Governorship Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Samuel Nnemeka Anyanwu has picked Dr Jones Onyereri as his running mate, while the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodimma submitted to the electoral umpire the name of Ralph Nwosu as a place holder.
 has reiterated its call on political parties to field women as their deputy governorship candidates in the forthcoming election in the state.){kind=link}