Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has shed light on why his wife, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, was not present during his campaign activities, stating that elections in Nigeria are akin to going to war.
Speaking in an interview with Channels TV on Monday, the governor explained that security concerns were a major reason he did not take his wife along for campaign rallies. Instead, she remained at home, offering prayers and providing support behind the scenes.
According to Aiyedatiwa, his wife’s public appearance during his second-term swearing-in ceremony was because it was a moment of celebration, unlike the intense and unpredictable nature of political campaigns.
Describing the rigorous nature of Nigerian elections, Aiyedatiwa likened the campaign period to a battlefield, emphasizing that just as soldiers do not take their wives to war, he did not bring his wife along to political rallies.
His words:
"During the campaign, I was there with my deputy and all our supporters. But don’t forget, just like while you are there in the studio, your wife is not with you. I see that as being at work, and you don’t take your wife to work."
"At the time, we were on the streets campaigning, she was back home, probably praying for us. But today is a ceremonial occasion, so she was there."
"Elections in this part of the world feel like going to war, and no soldier takes his wife to the battlefield. They stay back at home, praying and handling things. But when the battle is over, and it’s time for celebration, then they show up."
Aiyedatiwa’s remarks come amid public speculation about his wife's absence during his campaign trail. However, he maintained that her support was unwavering, even if not in the public eye.
