The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to use the free nomination and expression of interest forms’ window for women members to sideline them.
Speaking when she hosted women aspirants under the ruling party at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mrs Buhari said time has come to show more solidarity to women.
While appreciating the party’s move to promote women’s participation in politics through the free forms gesture, she warned that such should not also be used to relegate them.
She said: “I stand before you today as a mother, as a leader, as a sister, believing that today’s summit will make a difference in our lives as women and mothers of the nation.
“To the chairman of our party, governors and party executives, I commend your efforts in supporting women over the years. However, I would like to draw your attention that it is now time to believe in women more and show more solidarity with them.
“Distinguished guests, it is important to mention the efforts made by our great party towards promoting women’s participation in politics. I appreciate and commend the recent party’s gesture in offering free nomination forms to female aspirants. Honourable Emma Eneukwu representing the chairman of our great party, I don’t want the party to use the free forms as a means of sidelining women at the end of the day.”
She added: “I don’t believe in free gifts. But with Dr Beta there as our leader, I believe the APC will not relegate women to the backseat.”
