A frontline aspirant for the Abia State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2027 governorship primary election, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu has hailed the party as the only party in Nigeria that is now intentional in introducing a leadership model where women and youths are accommodated.
Kalu, who was speaking during a radio programme at Magic 102.9 FM, which was monitored by this site, said that in addition to having very qualified aspirants for the governorship position, the PDP in Aba has taken the lead in women and youths being given opportunities.
He said that in the past, he often heard about what PDP did and did not do, but the people who played huge roles in that era are currently with the ruling party.
Kalu said that the era when women in Abia State and Abia State women were relegated to nothing is gone, stressing that the PDP will correct the gender inequality in the Abia State House of Assembly.
“We’re the first party that has positioned women in a way that they’ll be part of leadership. We have women with high-class qualifications that we’re presenting in various positions.
“In Aba Central we have Anastasia Odochi Uchenna, a well-recognised broadcaster in this city. We also have Graceline Okoh in Ohafia North. A well-recognised human resource person.
“They’re not just women; they’re very much qualified, just like their male counterparts, if not better than them. They’re equally young.
“So, we can comfortably say that we’re giving opportunities to women and youths to be part of leadership. I’ve also seen another lady’s name in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.”
Kalu said that for a nation like Nigeria and a state like Abia that are in serious need of innovations and leaders with empathy, relegating the youths and women is tantamount to underdevelopment.
He stressed that he decided to join the race because he sees Abia State as a work in progress that needs the contributions of the best brains that know much about the foundation of the state and where to build from.
Kalu said that as commissioner that served in two ministries, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, he distinguished himself with remarkable records that can be seen in Ariaria International Market and other notable places.
