The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has assured Nigerian women of greater inclusion and participation in governance, declaring that the party is committed to securing more elective and appointive positions for women in the forthcoming political dispensation.

Yilwatda gave the assurance on Tuesday 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 in Abuja.

Addressing the delegation, the APC National Chairman 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.

"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.

Drawing an analogy between women and flowers, Prof. Yilwatda said women bring beauty, colour, value and vitality not only to homes but to the nation and the APC family.

"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."

The National Chairman further argued that the principle of federal character should extend beyond geographical considerations to include gender representation.

"Federal character is not only about where you come from; it is also about gender. We will be your voice and stand firmly with you. We have daughters whose future depends on the decisions we make today. If I do not speak for you now, who will speak for my daughters when their turn comes?"

Earlier, 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."

The National Women Leader assured the National Chairman of the continued support and loyalty of women leaders across the federation, pledging sustained grassroots mobilization ahead of future elections.

She also 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.

Dr. Alile further requested regular operational support for the Office of the National Women Leader to enable it effectively coordinate its numerous party activities and programmes across the country.

"We will continue to support your leadership and work tirelessly for the growth of our great party. We congratulate you on your well-deserved emergence as National Chairman and assure you of our unwavering cooperation."

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the party leadership and women stakeholders to deepen women's participation in politics and governance, strengthen party structures at all levels, and consolidate the APC's position as the most inclusive and progressive political party in Nigeria.

•PHOTO: APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, addressing the visiting APC Women Leaders on Tuesday at the Party's National Secretariat in Abuja

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