After 2023 Polls: Tinubu Faces Backlash, APC Women Leaders Voice Disappointment

The collective voice of 37 State Women Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) resonates with disappointment as they lament being overlooked by President Bola Tinubu following their dedicated efforts towards securing his electoral victory in the recent election. In a solidarity visit to the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, at the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, these aggrieved leaders voiced their grievances regarding their exclusion from the benefits of party politics.

Patricia Yakubu, the President of the forum, expressed dismay at the lack of recognition for their contributions, highlighting the absence of any appointments or post-election rewards from the presidency for their members. Following the 2023 general election, their disillusionment deepened as they received meager offerings of just one bag of rice and a paper wrapper each.

Despite their frustration, the women leaders commended the Ganduje-led National Working Committee and reaffirmed their support by passing a vote of confidence on the national chairman. However, they appealed to the president and the party leadership to acknowledge their sacrifices and ensure their inclusion in federal appointments.

Furthermore, the women leaders accused the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, led by Dr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, of distributing N50,000 cash palliatives without extending any benefits to their members.

In their plea to Ganduje, Yakubu emphasized the importance of their involvement in women-related affairs at the state level, citing their proximity to grassroots party women, a significant voting bloc. They urged for recognition, stating that their demographic significance should not be overlooked, especially considering their pivotal role in elections.

The forum’s message underscores a sense of neglect and the desire for equitable treatment in the political sphere, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women leaders within the APC.