By Jude Opara
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for increased participation of women in politics and governance, insisting that women possess the same intellectual capacity and leadership potential as men.
Yilwatda made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the party’s National Women Leader, Mary Alile Idele, during a meeting focused on strengthening women’s involvement in the party’s activities.
The APC chairman stressed that women should be given equal opportunities to contribute to leadership and decision-making processes at all levels of government and party administration.
According to him, gender should not be a barrier to political participation, noting that women have demonstrated the competence and ability required to succeed in public office.
“Being a woman does not make you less than a man. You have equal brain, equal capacity, equal ability,” Yilwatda stated.
He encouraged more women across the country to actively engage in politics, arguing that broader female participation would deepen democratic values and improve representation.
The APC national chairman also emphasized the importance of empowering women politically and creating an environment that allows them to compete effectively for leadership positions.
“We encourage women to come out and participate in politics actively. We must empower you,” he said.
Yilwatda further assured female members of the ruling party of the support of the national leadership, pledging to champion initiatives that would strengthen their role within the APC and in governance.
“We must empower you … and I will be behind you,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing calls for increased representation of women in elective and appointive offices, as political parties continue to face pressure to expand opportunities for female participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
