Ogun leaders push for more women in politics

The Ogun State Government has asked the new administration to include more women in political roles and leadership positions. They believe that women’s contributions to political parties should reflect in their representation in governance.

This appeal was made on Tuesday in Abeokuta by Ogun State's Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the Ogun State Political Women Stakeholders’ Forum. The forum was organized by the state’s First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.

Salako-Oyedele spoke on the theme, “Stronger Together: Women Unite for Victory, One Woman, Ten Votes.” She encouraged women to look beyond just mobilizing votes for the 2027 elections. They should also seek real opportunities for their involvement in governance.

She highlighted that women have played an important role in the All Progressives Congress (APC). They have helped the party grow from the grassroots to local governments and the state level. Yet, their efforts often go unrecognized.

She said, “We have heard from everybody who was here speaking that women do a lot and they have their grind, but we do not get enough recognition. It is not a zero-sum game; it is not us versus the men. We are just asking for a fairer share of things.”

The deputy governor praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his efforts in supporting women through programs like the Okowo Dapo empowerment initiatives and various political appointments. She urged the new administration to continue and improve on these successes.

She also showed confidence in the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and his running mate. She asked women to work hard to ensure victory for the party in the upcoming 2027 elections.

But she reminded women not to limit their demands to just political positions. They should also focus on pressing issues in their communities like unemployment, bad roads, and poor schools.

Salako-Oyedele urged women to connect their communities with political leaders. They should voice residents’ concerns and make sure these issues are addressed by the next administration.

Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Ogun State and organizer of the forum, also spoke. She asked women to turn their numbers and influence into political strength before the 2027 elections.

On the theme, “Stronger Together: Women United for Victory,” she emphasized that women should not only support candidates but also actively take part in shaping political decisions and results.

She urged women to unite and rally support for APC candidates. She set a goal of 10 votes from every woman.

“Every woman here must become a high-impact ambassador for APC. One woman, ten individual votes. Do not speak to 10 people; win them over, mobilize them and lead them to the polls for APC,” Abiodun said.