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Protem national
chairman of Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), Pat Utomi says the
party will provide platform for women, youth and Nigerians in Diaspora
to contest for elective positions in the 2011 elections.

Mr. Utomi, who
stated this during a meeting with some women advocates, also said the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally
recognised the party to participate in the elections.

The women group,
supported by a joint basket of international agencies and donors such
as UNIFEM and USAID, visited Mr. Utomi to canvass more positions for
women in the party ahead of the polls.

Olubori Obafemi, a
media officer of the party on Wednesday, quoted Mr. Utomi as saying
that the group’s aspiration is in tandem with the manifesto of the
SDMP, which is a fusion of about 25 political parties and over 150
political leaders across the country.

“It is our informed
desire to give more spaces to women, people in Diaspora and the youth
in the mega party also referred to as the new Social Democratic Party,”
Mr. Utomi said. “This aspiration is in tandem with the provisions of
our manifesto to show others how to run a real political party, where
inclusion and participation are the key to party building.”

The protem chairman
said the party’s manifesto produced by a technical committee led by a
former governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande has already settled the
fact that women and other vulnerable sections in the society should be
given more leverage in party.

“I therefore
recommend this great party, initiated by a great patriot and living
legend of our time, Anthony Enahoro to every Nigerian woman as a party,
the deprived can own and use for their total emancipation,” he said.

Change the polity

Leader of the
delegation, Kesiah Awosika, ensured that the group would encourage more
female professionals to join forces with credible politicians to change
the face of the polity.

“We appreciate your
progressive gesture towards Nigerian women and we shall encourage our
associates who are interested in politics to further consult you in
building synergy for a new Nigeria,” she said.