The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has reiterated the ruling party’s commitment to gender inclusion, assuring that it would form a central pillar of its ideology and strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During a high-level engagement with members of the Forum of 2027 APC Female Aspirants Network (FAFAN) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, Yilwatda reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s participation in politics.
Addressing the FAFAN team, led by its National Convener, Hon. Princess Nikky Onyeri, the APC helmsman described the gathering as historic, noting the unprecedented number and calibre of women aspiring for elective offices under the party’s platform.
He commended their courage, experience, and contributions to shaping the country’s political landscape, emphasising that no other political party in Nigeria boasts such a formidable assembly of female aspirants.
Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to the group for its endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and his own leadership, describing the gesture as a strong vote of confidence that reinforces 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 is 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 National Chairman said that women already constitute a significant percentage of the party’s membership, and called for increased mobilisation to translate this numerical strength into electoral victories.
He emphasised the strategic advantage of women as grassroots mobilisers and urged them to leverage their networks in communities, religious groups, and professional associations.
On policy direction, Yilwatda disclosed that the party is strengthening its ideological framework to institutionalise gender inclusion.
He encouraged FAFAN to submit detailed memoranda to the party’s ideology committee, which would 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 National Chairman underscored the importance of economic and educational empowerment as critical enablers of women’s political participation.
He said that the APC’s evolving ideology would integrate these three pillars, economic, educational, and political empowerment, to ensure sustainable inclusion.
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.
