Uphold Women's Mandate: Open Letter to Nigerian President

An open letter has been sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for the affirmation of Dr. Muheebah Dankaka's victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Primary Election for Kwara South. The letter emphasizes the importance of respecting the people's mandate as the cornerstone of democracy and expresses confidence in President Tinubu's commitment to justice and inclusive governance.

Dankaka's win is presented not just as a personal achievement but as a rare and significant milestone for women's political participation in Northern Nigeria. The letter notes that she may be the only woman to have won an APC senatorial primary across the 19 Northern states in the current election cycle. This emergence is framed as a symbol of progress and hope in a region where women have historically faced considerable underrepresentation in elective offices, despite their substantial contributions to national development.

The author argues that affirming Dankaka's mandate would send a powerful message about the APC's dedication to its 'Renewed Hope Agenda,' which prioritizes inclusion, equal opportunity, and expanded participation in governance. The letter stresses that merit should prevail within the party and that democratic principles must be upheld to maintain the confidence of party members in the electoral process. Failing to respect such a victory, especially one representing a breakthrough for women in politics, could diminish confidence in internal party democracy and discourage future participation.

The appeal underscores the significance of this moment for the credibility of internal party democracy and the confidence party members place in electoral processes. Each primary election is described as a covenant between a party and its members, promising that their votes will count. Weakening this confidence, the letter warns, diminishes democracy itself. Therefore, protecting Dankaka's mandate is presented as crucial for reinforcing the APC's commitment to its stated ideals and for fostering a more inclusive political landscape.