By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has endorsed Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as a potential candidate to become the first woman to be elected governor in Nigeria.
Murray-Bruce made the remarks on Thursday in a birthday tribute celebrating Bianca’s 58th birthday, where he praised her career in public service and diplomacy while suggesting she has the experience needed to lead Anambra State.
Accompanying the post was a dancing section image of the minister who was the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) at the time and Ben Murray Bruce who was the organiser of the event.
Describing her as a longtime friend and sister, the former Bayelsa East senator highlighted her achievements as a lawyer, former ambassador to Ghana and Spain, and now Nigeria’s chief diplomat.
Reflecting on women’s political representation in Nigeria, Murray-Bruce noted that although Anambra once had the country’s first female governor, Virginia Etiaba assumed office due to constitutional succession and served for less than three months.
“In all of Nigeria’s history, across all 36 states, we have never elected a woman as governor. Not one. Not once,” he said.
According to him, breaking that record would require a woman who is already prepared for the task and has demonstrated leadership at the highest levels.
He said Bianca has proven herself in diplomatic circles, describing her as someone who has “held her own in rooms full of presidents and prime ministers” and possesses a deep understanding of Anambra, Nigeria, and global affairs.
“Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is that woman,” Murray-Bruce declared, effectively throwing his weight behind the minister as a future governorship contender.
While Bianca has not publicly declared any intention to contest the Anambra governorship, Murray-Bruce’s endorsement is likely to fuel speculation about her possible political ambitions in the state.
