Members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State under the aegis of APC Women For Equality, have accused the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the party leadership of excluding women from the upcoming local government council elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the group’s President, Mrs Ayodele Beatrice, and spokesperson, Mrs Olubunmi Orisabinone, the group alleged that the governor influenced the selection of consensus candidates and excluded women.
According to them, the “exclusion is a troubling sign for Aiyedatiwa, especially given the overwhelming support we provided during his campaign”.
“It feels like our contributions have been disregarded.”
The group also accused the governor of neglecting women in his political appointments, alleging that his administration shows little interest in achieving gender equality in the state.
“Despite enjoying our staunch support during critical times, the governor’s actions demonstrate a lack of commitment to gender parity.
“The absence of APC women candidates in the forthcoming local government elections is viewed as a setback for women in Ondo State, whose political representation does not meet the 35% requirement outlined in the National Gender Policy established in 2006.
“Our representation in Aiyedatiwa’s government is a far cry from what’s been achieved in other states of Nigeria. The governor is unfair to Ondo State women,” they lamented.
