Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has pledged greater political inclusion for women, assuring that the ruling party will work to secure more elective and appointive positions for female members across the country.
Yilwatda made the pledge on Tuesday while receiving the APC National Women Leader, Mary Idele, alongside the six zonal women leaders and state women leaders from across the country at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof Yilwatda, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, commended the dedication, resilience and sacrifices of women in the party, describing them as the backbone of the APC’s achievements and sustained electoral successes.
He stated, “You are the pillars of this party in rain and sunshine. During campaigns, you are there. During elections, you are there. In virtually every activity of the party, you are always present and actively involved.
“Women are the flowers, not just of our homes but of our country. When flowers are planted around a house, they bring colour and fragrance.
“You have brought those qualities to our great party. We want to plant more flowers in our state Houses of Assembly, in the National Assembly and in positions of leadership across the country.”
The APC chairman stressed that women have the ability, experience, and leadership skills required to perform effectively in public office, noting that gender should not stand in the way of their political progress.
He added, “Our party is blessed with women of immense capacity. Being a woman does not make you less than a man. We must empower you. We must strengthen you. We must continue to create opportunities for you to serve and lead.
“When appointments are being made in 2027, my voice will be there for you. When campaign councils are being constituted, you can be sure of your participation. I will stand behind you all the way.”
The national chairman also maintained that the principle of federal character should not be limited to geographical balance alone but should equally accommodate gender inclusion and representation.
He added, “Federal character is not only about where you come from; it is also about gender. We will be your voice and stand firmly with you.
“We have daughters whose future depends on the decisions we make today. If I do not speak for you now, who will speak for my daughters when their turn comes?”
Earlier, Idele stated that the visit was aimed at formally presenting the 17 newly elected state women leaders who emerged through democratic processes across the federation.
She also praised Prof Yilwatda’s leadership style, describing it as inclusive, unifying, and inspiring.
“Your leadership style has brought unity, cohesion and renewed confidence within our party. The membership expansion drive under your watch has attracted admiration from Nigerians and deserves our appreciation,” she said.
Alile further appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, for her steadfast support, dedication and sustained efforts toward the empowerment of women across the country.
She observed that, notwithstanding the various challenges they faced, women had continued to play a pivotal role in securing the party’s electoral successes and driving grassroots mobilisation initiatives nationwide.
The woman leader stated, “Women have contributed immensely to the electoral successes of our party across the states. We therefore appeal for greater inclusion at all levels of governance because women remain a formidable pillar of the success of our great party and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”