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Summary
Over 500 Nigerians have petitioned Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to honour his campaign promise of 35% women’s representation in his cabinet, after appointing only two women out of 17 commissioners.
Press Release:
September 22, 2025
Nigerians have called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to fulfil his promise of 35% legislative representation for women.
During Governor Monday’s electoral campaign, he pledged that 35 per cent of cabinet positions would be allocated to women, promising an administration of representation and inclusion. However, by August 20, 2025, Governor Monday had already rescinded on his promise. Of the 17 commissioners in his cabinet then, only two were women. Including the Governor, his deputy, Chief of Staff, and the Secretary of the State Government, who were all men, women’s representation in the cabinet stood at 9.5%, far below the 35% representation promise for which he was elected.
When elected officials rescind their promises, they erode public trust, undermine democracy, and threaten the nation’s sustainable future. Following this broken promise, over 500 citizens have signed the petition by the AdvoKC Foundation calling on the Edo State Governor to honour his commitment.
“We urge Your Excellency to revisit and rectify the current cabinet composition to fulfil your promise of equitable representation for women. This action would not only honour your campaign pledge but also renew public faith in the integrity of electoral commitments and demonstrate a genuine commitment to empowering all segments of society,” the petition states in part.
With more citizens signing the petition daily, the message is clear: Women have an equal right to be represented in legislation, and Nigerians expect their leaders to fulfil their promises.
We call on the Edo State governor to lead the path to a new Nigeria, where campaign promises are not just a tool to get women to vote while their interests are never considered when elected. Every girl needs to know that the promise of being a leader of tomorrow includes them, too.
In solidarity,
Naija Feminists Media
AdvoKC Foundation
