The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has assured Nigerian women of increased participation in governance, adding that in the forthcoming political dispensation, the party would be committed to securing more elective and appointive positions for women.
Yilwatda gave the assurance when he received the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, alongside the six Zonal Women Leaders and State Women Leaders from across the federation at the Party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja.
He paid glowing tribute to the sacrifices, resilience and commitment of women, describing them as the enduring pillars upon which the party’s successes have been built over the years.
“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,” he said.
The National Chairman while drawing an analogy between women and flowers, said women bring beauty, colour, value and vitality not only to homes but to the nation and the party.
“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 emphasized that women possess the competence, capacity and leadership qualities necessary to excel in public office, stressing that gender should never be a barrier to political advancement.
“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.”
Yilwatda assured the women leaders that he would personally champion their cause within the party and government structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.”
Earlier in her remarks, the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, said the visit was designed to formally introduce the 17 newly elected State Women Leaders who emerged through democratic processes across the country.
She commended Prof. Yilwatda’s leadership, describing it as inclusive, unifying and inspirational.
“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.”
Dr. Alile also expressed gratitude to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering support, compassion and commitment to empowering women across the nation.
She noted that despite numerous challenges, women remained at the forefront of the party’s electoral victories and grassroots mobilization efforts nationwide.
“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”.
She equally appealed for adequate representation of women in the Party’s Campaign Councils and expressed appreciation for the endorsement received from the First Lady for initiatives such as the Tinubu Torchbearers movement.
