The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s participation in politics, declaring that gender inclusion will form a central pillar of the party’s ideology and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This assurance was given during a high-level engagement with members of the Forum of 2027 APC Female Aspirants Network, FAFAN, led by its national convener, Princess Nikky Onyeri, at the party’s national secretariat.
Yilwatda described the gathering as historic, noting the unprecedented number and calibre of women aspiring for elective offices under the APC platform.
He commended their courage, experience, and contributions to shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasising that no other political party in the country currently boasted such a formidable assembly of female aspirants.
The APC national chairman expressed deep appreciation to the group for its endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his own leadership, describing it as a strong vote of confidence that reinforced the party’s unity and shared vision.
He stressed that the principle of federal character must extend beyond geographical representation to include gender balance, arguing that equitable representation of women was fundamental to true national inclusion.
According to him, with women constituting nearly half of Nigeria’s population, their underrepresentation in governance undermines the spirit of fairness and democracy.
Yilwatda reiterated his personal commitment to women’s empowerment, describing women as natural transformers with exceptional capacity for leadership, organisation, and resilience.
He pledged that the APC under his leadership would create more opportunities for women and youth, both within party structures and in elective positions.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, the chairman revealed that women already constituted a significant percentage of the party’s membership, and called for increased mobilisation to translate the numerical strength into electoral victories.
He emphasised the strategic advantage of women as grassroots mobilizers and urged them to leverage their networks in communities, religious groups, and professional associations.
On policy direction, Prof. Yilwatda disclosed that the party was strengthening its ideological framework to institutionalise gender inclusion.
He encouraged FAFAN to submit detailed memoranda to the party’s Ideology Committee, which will guide future governance at all levels.
He noted that such policies could include minimum thresholds for women’s representation in appointive and elective offices.
The chairman further underscored the importance of economic and educational empowerment as critical enablers of women’s political participation.
He stated that the APC’s evolving ideology would integrate the three pillars – economic, educational, and political empowerment – to ensure sustainable inclusion.
In their remarks, FAFAN leadership, led by Princess Nikky Onyeri, commended the APC leadership for promoting internal democracy and inclusiveness, while also acknowledging the achievements of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The group highlighted the urgent need to increase women’s representation, citing global best practices and Nigeria’s commitments under frameworks such as the National Gender Policy and international conventions.
FAFAN presented key proposals to the party, including the reservation of specific legislative seats for women, implementation of 35% affirmative action across party structures, reduction of nomination fees, protection against political violence, and enhanced institutional support for female aspirants.
The group also reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and declared its readiness to mobilise nationwide support ahead of the 2027 elections, including plans for a major rally in Abuja.
Prof. Yilwatda concluded by assuring the delegation that the APC would continue to champion inclusive governance, stating that the party remained committed to building a political system where every Nigerian, regardless of gender, region, or background, had a fair opportunity to contribute to national development.
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