All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and only female aspirant for Edo governorship election, Tina Agbarah, tells Special Correspondent, TITUS OISE, her reasons for running, the challenges so far, among other issues.
The campaign so far
So far, it has been going on well. We thank God for the wisdom. By his grace, we are doing well in the field, meeting delegates, meeting the people.
Message to the delegates
There is nothing much to preach than to talk about our people because we have calm atmosphere to campaign due to what the comrade governor has done. That is why we can go about campaigning. The man has given us a level-playing ground based on what he has done. With that, we can tell the people that we already have structures, schools, hospitals, good roads, etc. But one man cannot do it all. That is why I have to come out to also build on what the governor has done and improve on it.
I can tell you that I have been into politics for the past 35 years. I have worked with several political parties – United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP), National Party of Nigeria (NPN). I was a woman leader in National Republican Convention (NRC).
Expression of interest now
Before, there were some leaders you could not dare. That is why I am very proud of my party, the APC, and the Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole who has equipped me politically. He appointed me into the governing council of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) and several others.
I am also deputy state woman leader (of APC). I see everybody in the field. They are well-to-do people. Unfortunately, as a woman, when you attempt to come out, they would push you down. We are not saying the men are our enemies; but because they are greedy, when you make attempt to come in, they will push you down.
Only female aspirant in the race
I think it’s a laudable development, a joyful moment that all the women in Edo State must be proud of irrespective of the political party they belong to. Even beyond Edo, I think we should be proud and happy that, at least, we have seen a woman who has dared to do what people thought was impossible. God has made it possible for me. I am not standing on my own. I am standing on behalf of Edo women, no matter the political parties they belong to. Therefore, I am asking all of us to wake up from slumber; I am asking all of us to join hands. I am telling the women that “united we stand divided we fall”.
Intimidated amid the men
Not at all. I don’t know what is called intimidation. While it may be in the dictionary, for me it does not exist because each of us has one vote. My Governor brought the idea of one-man one-vote, one-woman one-vote, one-youth one-vote. I also want to tell you that most people who are saying they want to contest don’t even know how the party started. We formed the party that gave birth to the APC from Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Mrs. Modina Emovon (of blessed memory), Mrs. Adams and myself were the first three females among the 10 people who were holding meetings at Edo Motel. Because we came in from Grace Group, they thought it was a joke. I recall the then governor calling us ‘AC’ (air conditioner) without compressor and we were looking for people to come in and contest. I bought forms for almost five people, but they couldn’t contest. At Uromi, Esan North-East, we were looking for a man and no one was ready.
Free and fair primary in APC
Why would one be afraid? It is a game you know that at the end of the day, out of 10 or 20 contestants, only one person will win. So, what is your fear when you are contesting? Are you seeing it as a do-or-die situation; that is, if am not the governor I will die? If you are afraid, then go and work hard. I am not bothered because I believe we will be provided with a level-playing ground. The governor has assured us. The party at state and national levels has reiterated that it is going to provide a level-playing field for everyone and that the primary election will be transparent.
Therefore, I am not afraid. I also urge my colleagues outside there not to be afraid. We should go to the field. Nobody was begged or forced to pick form. So, if you have got the will and the mind to go in, you should be ready to take any challenge that comes your way.
