***Say Continued Exclusion Undermines Grassroots Morale, Campaign Sacrifices
A coalition of women leaders who championed the Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign in 2023 has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding inclusion, recognition, and a fair share in the governance structure they helped build.
The group, made up of 95 key mobilizers representing over 550 coordinators from more than 1,000 women-led support groups, decried what they described as their “total exclusion” from appointments and engagements in the current administration, despite their sacrifices, commitment, and unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in Abuja, Hajiya Rekiya Abdullahi, a prominent grassroots mobilizer and spokesperson for the Women’s Wing of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said their members feel used, forgotten, and sidelined.
“These women gave everything—time, energy, resources, and some even paid the ultimate price. Now, nearly two years after the victory they helped deliver, not a single one of them has been appointed or acknowledged,” she said.
Abdullahi emphasized that the current situation has broken the spirit of many women who stood boldly for the APC and President Tinubu at a time when others sat on the fence.
“We crisscrossed this country with Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. We took the message to the grassroots. We campaigned in communities others couldn’t reach. But today, strangers who did not join the battle are reaping the benefits while our members are being ignored.”
She warned that the continued neglect risks alienating a critical voter bloc ahead of 2027.
“There is momentum in the air, but we are not inspired. How do we mobilize again for a government that has not looked back to recognize our sweat and sacrifice? Our people are asking questions we can no longer answer.”
The women stressed that they are not seeking handouts but a dignified recognition through inclusion, appointments, and strategic engagement that reflects the principles of equity and party loyalty.
“We know not everyone can be appointed,” Abdullahi said, “but those who labored must not be forgotten. Recognition can come in different forms. What we reject is being completely shut out.”
The group urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to act quickly to restore trust and uplift the morale of their support base, warning that silence and exclusion could cost the party dearly in the future.
“Women made the difference in 2023. They will make the difference again—but only if they are seen, heard, and empowered.”