A wave of dissatisfaction is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as 95 women leaders, who were instrumental in President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign, have voiced frustration over their continued exclusion from his administration.
These women, drawn from across the Federal Capital Territory and all parts of Nigeria, represent over 1,000 support groups that actively mobilized grassroots support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. Despite the risks, sacrifices, and even the loss of lives during the campaign period, they say they have been ignored by the presidency.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hajiya Rekiya Abdullahi called on President Tinubu to use the second anniversary of his administration to address their concerns. She stressed that although they had hoped for recognition and appointments, none of the women who worked tirelessly under the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) have been rewarded or even acknowledged.
Abdullahi noted that the women had rallied behind First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, traversing the nation, canvassing votes, and championing the APC’s vision at the community level. Despite their unwavering support, they now find themselves sidelined.
According to her, many of the women are under pressure from their members, who feel betrayed and abandoned after putting their trust and resources into the party’s victory. The exclusion has not only demoralized them but also cast a shadow over the sincerity of the party’s promises to women.
She expressed particular concern over the fact that individuals who did not actively contribute to the campaign are now occupying political positions, while those who worked day and night have been left behind. The perception of being “used and dumped,” she said, is now widespread among the group.
The group emphasized that women form a vital part of Nigeria’s voting population and played a decisive role in the 2023 general elections. Ignoring their contributions, they warned, could weaken the morale and loyalty of women ahead of future elections.
They called on President Tinubu to urgently address this issue by ensuring that women who truly contributed to his emergence are recognized and included in governance. Such action, they argued, would not only strengthen the party but also restore faith among its grassroots supporters.
