The number of female candidates vying for higher level of various political positions in Kaduna State has significantly increased to thirty, an increase from previous years.
Kaduna State Team Leader of Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn, PERL Mr. Abel Adejor stated this while interpreting the final list of candidates for Presidential, State governors and Houses of Assembly contestants released by Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said the gradual positive changes can be attributed to the sustained sensitization campaigns and engagements both by media organizations and concerned civil society organizations for women and youth active participation in political activities.
Mr. Abel Adejor explained that the INEC submisson shows that 19 female candidates are contesting for seats at the State House of Assembly, five as deputy gubernatorial candidates , five for House of Representatives and one for the Senate seat all within Kaduna State.
He commended government for the level playing ground provided and urged the coalition of civil societies and media to sustain the campaigns for women participation in political activities.
In a presentation at the event which was organized by Partnership for Issue Based Campaigns in collaboration with PERL, Mr. Yusuf Goje said it was not business as usual as citizens are becoming more enlightened to vote leaders with capacity to lead and also hold the leaders accountable.
According to Goje, most contestants were willing to engage with coalition of civil society organizations and even signed Social Contracts for transparency and accountability.
He therefore called on electorates not to vote based on religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments but to vote people that can deliver good governance for Nigeria.
Cover/Shindong Bala