A growing discontent is emerging within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as 95 women leaders who spearheaded President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 election campaign in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across Nigeria have demanded inclusion in his administration.
The women, who head various organisations representing over 1,000 support groups, still grapple with the losses and hardships endured during the intense campaign period for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
While acknowledging the deaths of some members during campaigns as ‘God’s will,’ the group expressed pain that the presidency has not considered any of them for political appointments despite their sacrifices.
The group’s spokeswoman, Hajiya Rekiya Abdullahi, stated that President Tinubu should use his administration’s second anniversary to address their grievances.
“With ongoing coalition talks and overtures being made to our members, we must now publicly demand recognition from the President we served diligently,” Abdullahi said.
She revealed that group leaders face mounting pressure from members who feel ‘used and abandoned,’ unable to justify why those they mobilised for are in government while they remain excluded.
She said, “Throughout the campaign period, we stood firmly behind Her Excellency, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, crisscrossing the country, mobilising support, canvassing votes, and advocating for the party’s agenda at the grassroots level.”
“Two years into this administration, these women feel neglected, ignored, and sidelined. Despite their unwavering support and immeasurable contributions, no single individual from the Women’s Wing of the PCC has been recognized or rewarded with appointments or any form of compensation.
“This sense of abandonment is deeply disheartening, demoralising and unacceptable. Our members are left to watch from the sidelines, while others who played no significant roles are being recognised and elevated.
“This ‘use-and-dump’ approach is not only unjust but also risks eroding the morale of women who form a significant majority of the electorate and who were pivotal to the party’s 2023 electoral victory,” she stated.
