Nigeria's APC vows more elective, appointive slots for women by 2027

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Chairman of Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has pledged to significantly increase women's political participation within the party. He assured that the APC would actively work to secure more elective and appointive positions for its female members across the country.

“

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.

During a meeting at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja with the APC National Women Leader and zonal and state women leaders, Prof. Yilwatda commended the dedication and resilience of women within the party. He described them as the "backbone of the APC's achievements and sustained electoral successes," highlighting their consistent presence and active involvement in all party activities.

"Women are the flowers, not just of our homes but of our country," Yilwatda stated, drawing a metaphor to illustrate their importance. "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."

“

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 possess the necessary ability, experience, and leadership skills for effective public office. He asserted that gender should not be a barrier to political advancement, emphasizing the need to empower and strengthen female members. "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," he declared.

“

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.

Yilwatda also maintained that the principle of federal character should encompass gender inclusion, not just geographical balance. "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," he promised. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of their decisions for the future of their daughters, asking, "If I do not speak for you now, who will speak for my daughters when their turn comes?" Earlier, the National Women Leader, Mary Idele, praised Prof. Yilwatda's inclusive leadership style.

“

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.