A group of female members from the defunct All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has raised concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointments, criticizing them as “lopsided” and lacking adequate female representation. The group, which played a significant role in mobilizing voters during the election, expressed disappointment over the low percentage of women appointed to key positions in Tinubu’s administration.
During a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, spokesperson Elizabeth Ofuani Otunbalogun voiced the group’s frustration, pointing out that despite President Tinubu’s promise to adhere to the National Gender Policy of 2006, which mandates 35% female representation in government appointments, his current appointments fall significantly short of this commitment.
“The President has made several appointments since taking office, but women have been grossly underrepresented. Our research shows that in 2023, only 12% of the appointments made by the President were women. In 2024, the figure remains dismal, with just 12 out of 99 appointments being women,” Otunbalogun stated.
The group’s criticism centers around the stark gap between the 35% gender inclusion target and the actual 12% representation achieved so far. The women called on the now-defunct APC Women Campaign Council to actively identify and recommend qualified women who can help fill this 18% gap, thereby aligning Tinubu’s appointments with his earlier promises.
“The women’s wing, which was instrumental in mobilizing voters, has been ‘used and dumped,’” Otunbalogun added, reflecting the sentiment of many women who feel sidelined after their contributions to the party’s success.
Adesotu Vera, another member of the group, emphasized the necessity of implementing the 35% affirmative action policy. She argued that women are not asking for special treatment but for the fulfillment of a commitment that would ensure their rightful place in governance. Vera highlighted the qualifications and experience of the women who had worked tirelessly for the party during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, suggesting that these women should be given opportunities to serve in Tinubu’s government.
“We plead with the President to consider our plight, especially regarding the implementation of the 35% affirmative action. We are not seeking any specific positions. Mr. President knows the best qualifications for women,” Adesotu stated, urging Tinubu to recognize the potential and contributions of women within the party.
The group’s demands go beyond just filling quotas; they seek a genuine inclusion of women in positions of authority where they can contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. The women argued that their exclusion from key roles not only undermines gender equity but also deprives the administration of the diverse perspectives and expertise that women bring to the table.
As the call for greater gender representation grows louder, the former members of the APC Women Campaign Council are determined to hold President Tinubu accountable for his promises. They stressed that the inclusion of women in governance is not merely a symbolic gesture but a critical step towards achieving a more equitable and just society.
The group’s appeal has sparked a broader conversation about gender equality in Nigerian politics, with many women across the country watching closely to see how the administration responds. The former APC Women Campaign Council members remain hopeful that their advocacy will lead to a more inclusive government that truly reflects the diversity and strength of Nigeria’s population.
