April 25, (THEWILL) — A group under the aegis of Benue APC 2027 Female Aspirants Forum, has called on the leadership of the party to ensure allocation of fifty percent are elective positions in the forthcoming general in the state.
The Coordinator of the Forum in the state, Hon. Mrs Blessing Aminde, who made the appeal, explained that the visit on the State Working Committee of the party was to seek it blessing and support, noting that women had consistently demonstrated loyalty and electoral strength.
Mrs Aminde sued for a free and transparent primary process and appealed for waivers on nomination forms for female aspirants, assuring that women would justify the confidence reposed in them if given the opportunity.
Representatives from the three senatorial zones; Mrs Rachael Shir, Victoria Vihikwagh, and Otokpa Ihotu Gloria, who spoke for zones A, B and C, all highlighted the mobilisation strength and capacity of women, while lamenting their underrepresentation in leadership.
They appealed to the party to provide a level playing field for women in the primaries and ensure broader inclusion in elective positions across the state.
In her remarks, the State APC Women Leader, Hon. Mrs. Helen Agaigbe, commended the women for stepping forward and called for increased representation, urging the party to consider 50 percent inclusivity in elective positions.
She proposed the allocation of two House of Assembly seats per senatorial zone, one House of Representatives slot in each zone and at least one senatorial seat for women, and appealed to the chairman to transmit the request to the governor.
Responding, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Benjamin Omale, urged women to be courageous in contesting for elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
While assuring them of the party’s readiness to support and nominate credible female aspirants, he said the APC recognises the critical role of women in politics and governance, noting that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has demonstrated commitment to inclusiveness through key appointments, including the emergence of the first female Secretary to the State Government.
The chairman commended the women for demanding greater inclusion, stressing that the party cannot thrive without their contributions, adding that women deserve at least 35 percent affirmative participation in the political process.
Chief Omale assured the delegation that their demands would be conveyed to Governor Alia for consideration, describing him as a gender-friendly leader committed to inclusive governance.
The party State Deputy Chairman, Hon. Alphonsus Indyur, Secretary, Hon Solomon Kachinah, Assistant Secretary, Hon. Jacob Okpe, Publicity Secretary, Hon. Benedict Yawe, and other members of the state working and non-working committees of the party were also in attendance during the visit.
