“We Only Received One Bag of Rice and a Paper Wrapper”: APC Women Leaders Lament Neglect Post-2023 Election

In a fervent appeal to the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the forum of 37 State Women Leaders alongside the Federal Capital Territory lamented their neglect following the 2023 general election. Led by the President of the forum, Mrs. Patricia Yakubu, the women leaders expressed dismay over their exclusion from the rewards of party politics.

During a solidarity visit to the APC’s headquarters in Abuja, the aggrieved leaders conveyed their grievances to the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. Mrs. Yakubu highlighted their substantial efforts in securing the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing their disappointment at the absence of recognition through appointments or post-election rewards from the presidency.

While affirming their support for the Ganduje-led National Working Committee, the women leaders underscored the importance of inclusivity in party affairs, particularly concerning women at the grassroots level, a significant voting bloc. They disclosed receiving minimal support, consisting only of one bag of rice and a paper wrapper, from the national secretariat of the party, with no further assistance during significant festive periods like Easter, Ramadan, and Salah.

In a plea directed at the president and party leadership, the women leaders called for consideration of their sacrifices and contributions towards the party’s success, advocating for their involvement in federal appointments. They criticized the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for distributing cash palliatives without extending the benefits to any of their members.

Addressing the challenges faced by the women leaders, which included personal risks such as kidnappings, accidents, and political intimidation, Mrs. Yakubu emphasized the need for acknowledgment and compensation for their hardships. Additionally, she urged for greater inclusion of women in federal government programs and initiatives, especially in states lacking APC governors.

In response, Dr. Ganduje assured the women leaders that their grievances had been duly noted and would be promptly addressed. He reaffirmed the president’s commitment to gender sensitivity and hinted at forthcoming appointments for party faithful. Dr. Ganduje also outlined ongoing reforms within the APC to enhance women’s participation in governance and party activities, promising to prioritize their concerns.