During a recent visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja, the forum of 37 State Women Leaders of the APC and the Federal Capital Territory voiced their concerns about being overlooked in the distribution of political rewards following the 2023 general election.
Despite their efforts in securing electoral success for President Bola Tinubu, the women leaders reported receiving minimal recognition or rewards, detailing that they were each given only one bag of rice and a paper wrapper.
The President of the forum, Mrs. Patricia Yakubu, expressed their frustration but also affirmed their support for the APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Mrs. Yakubu highlighted the significant role played by women at the grassroots level during the elections and lamented the lack of substantial acknowledgment or inclusion in subsequent federal appointments.
In addition to the scanty election rewards, Mrs. Yakubu pointed out that the women leaders were not considered in the distribution of cash palliatives during important festivals, nor were they included in major federal government programs concerning women.
She provided poignant examples of the sacrifices and challenges faced by the women leaders, including personal threats and hardships endured during the election period.
Responding to these grievances, Dr. Ganduje called for patience and reassured the forum that their contributions were recognized and that more appointments and inclusion in government programs were forthcoming.
He emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to gender sensitivity and assured that the concerns raised would be addressed promptly. Dr. Ganduje also noted ongoing reforms within the APC aimed at increasing women’s participation and representation in the party’s activities and governance.