CSO seeks justice for defunct APC women’s campaign council

The Center for Leadership Legacy International, a civil society organisation, says it is seeking justice and recognition for the women in the Presidential Campaign Council, a key bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC), who worked tirelessly to ensure the party’s success.

They argued that these women’s contributions to the party’s victory in the 2023 presidential election should not be overlooked.

In a statement signed by the Centre’s Lead Director, Comrade Omonu Gowon-Nelson, the organisation noted the significant sacrifices made by these women, including financial contributions and personal risks, to support the party from the campaigns through to the general elections.

The Centre urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and his wife to take decisive action to integrate the group’s members into the government. This, they argue, is essential not only for fairness but also to foster trust and ensure a stable future.

The organisation stressed that the appeal was intended to prompt President Tinubu to acknowledge and appreciate the significant contributions of these women and to ensure their meaningful integration into key roles in government, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity, recognition, and equal opportunities.

Comrade Omonu reported that a recent investigation by the Centre revealed discontent among members of the defunct Tinubu/Shettima Women’s Presidential Campaign Council. Despite their loyalty and dedication, these members felt neglected by the administration they worked hard to elect.

He said: “The defunct campaign team, headed by the trio of former First Lady Aisha Buhari and co-led by Senator Remi Tinubu and Mrs. Nana Shettima, the Vice President’s wife, in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, never anticipated the treatment they would face from the very administration they worked assiduously to elect, despite their sacrifices.

“We at the Centre for Leadership recognize the vital role this group of women played in the party’s victory and are compelled by our commitment to democratic principles, believing that a fair reward system should be an ingrained culture of this administration, rather than a privilege reserved for a select few who have contributed little or nothing to the party’s success.”

He expressed concerns that there have been muted complaints that the defunct Tinubu/Shettima Women’s Campaign groups, who actively supported the party during the elections, “have been neglected and left to fade into obscurity, only to be remembered when their support is needed again in the next election cycle.”

Comrade Omonu maintained that those who labour in promoting a political party’s vision and agenda during elections should be the first to reap the rewards of their efforts when appointments are made, provided they possess the necessary qualifications and expertise to excel in their roles.

He added, “This tenet of democratic practice, universally observed, ensures that loyalty and hard work are recognized and valued. The Tinubu administration should embrace this ideal, acknowledging that those who contribute to a party’s success should share in its spoils, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation among party faithful.

“In the run-up to the 2023 elections, Nigerians saw how these dedicated supporters, who valiantly stood as a bulwark against the onslaught of opposition attacks, fervently defended Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s candidate. Yet, in the aftermath of the elections, these formidable forces have been abandoned, their unwavering loyalty and tireless efforts seemingly forgotten.

“These women have not only paid their dues; they have demonstrated extraordinary loyalty and devotion to the party, with some making the ultimate sacrifice with their lives and even life savings, contributing millions of naira to fund the campaign. They travelled the length and breadth of this country, putting their lives at risk. Yet, in the wake of victory, they face the bitter reality of neglect.

“Consequently, they merit appointment to key positions in ministries, departments, and agencies, given their exceptional qualifications and competence. It is crucial to consider how their exclusion would be perceived by women in opposing parties. How will they maintain credibility and face those who have defected to the same party they fiercely opposed and got appointments under their very noses when these dedicated women are overlooked for roles they are eminently suited for?”

He noted that other campaign organisations under the APC were integrated into the government structure several months ago, while the Women Campaign Council was inexplicably excluded. He further expressed concerns over the seeming apathy of the Office of the First Lady and the allegation that she has turned her back on her fellow women who helped her sail through the stormy weather.