By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A United States-based Nigerian and aspirant for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, Olamide Davis-Talabi, has called for a level playing ground in the political landscape of the State, declaring that the time has come for women to take their rightful place in leadership.

Davis-Talabi, who made this call at an interfaith programme held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where she formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 senatorial election, stressed the critical role of women in politics and governance, pledging to deploy practical and sustainable solutions to tackle the developmental challenges confronting the State.

The senatorial hopeful, who serves as a Commissioner in New Jersey and doubles as the General Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) USA chapter, underscored the need for strategic partnerships with international organisations to support development initiatives in Nigeria.

Citing successful models such as food banks and sister-city partnerships, she noted that such initiatives could be leveraged to drive socio-economic growth in Ogun State.

Davis-Talabi disclosed that through her extensive international network and experience in development work, she had facilitated the distribution of laptops to schools in Abeokuta.

She, however, called for a shift from personality-driven politics to issue-based engagements anchored on inclusivity and sound policies.

“Let’s play a levelled game. Politics is not a do-or-die affair. Let us focus on what we can do for the people and approach elections with a positive mindset,” she said.

She urged women across the state to actively participate in politics and decision-making processes, saying, “we are mothers; we understand what is best for our communities.”

The aspirant also commended the 10th National Assembly for advancing women’s inclusion in governance and appealed to men to create more opportunities for women in leadership.

Davis-Talabi further encouraged residents of the State to register and exercise their civic rights during elections.

“Your vote matters. If you do not vote, you lose the moral right to complain,” she added.

In his remarks at the programme, the guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Ayanfe Olutola, said Nigeria requires prayers more than complaints, urging Christians to intercede for the nation’s security and leaders rather than apportion blame over prevailing challenges.

He noted that human efforts alone are insufficient to address the country’s problems, stressing that divine intervention remains crucial to achieving lasting peace and progress.

Olutola described the concurrent observance of Lent and Ramadan as a divine alignment, calling on Nigerians to use the period to pray in unity, promote love, and seek God’s direction for the nation.

Similarly, a Muslim cleric and guest lecturer, Fadilat Sheikh Al-Khaleeefa Abdul Qodri Ishola Olorunseye, highlighted the spiritual, social, personal, and health benefits of Ramadan.

He emphasised that beyond fasting, the holy month teaches love, tolerance, and unity among adherents of different faiths.

He urged Nigerians to take advantage of the sacred period to strengthen peaceful coexistence and foster national unity.