…as party insists on consensus

The Ondo State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Princess Toyin Iji-Ayeola, has renewed calls for greater female participation in elective positions, as the party moves toward adopting a consensus arrangement for candidate selection ahead of the general elections.

Speaking at the APC women’s rally tagged “More Space for Women,” held in Akure, the state capital, Iji-Ayeola said the gathering was convened to press for increased opportunities for women, particularly in elective offices, as the party prepares for the primary elections.

She advocated a 10-3-1 representation formula for women across the Ondo State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate, noting that while women have been fairly considered in appointive roles, more space is needed in the electoral process.

In his response, the Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Kolawole Babatunde, who addressed the party women in the governor’s office, affirmed that candidates for elective positions in the forthcoming general elections will emerge through a consensus arrangement, dismissing claims of endorsement of any aspirant.

He stated that the party’s constitution clearly provides for consensus as a means of selecting candidates, stressing that the process would involve the governor and key stakeholders.

“No aspirant has been endorsed yet. Let me put this on record. I do not have the power to endorse any aspirant.
“The governor, with the support of party leaders, will come together, look at it properly, and ensure that we come up with consensus candidates. That is what is entrenched in the constitution of our party.”

The APC chairman explained that the consensus option is not only cost-effective but also aimed at reducing the influence of money in politics.

“That is less expensive, and that is demonetising politics,” he added.

Babatunde noted that the party has successfully adopted the consensus model in its congresses at various levels without financial strain on members.

“We’ve had our national convention, zonal and state congresses down to the ward level, and none of us spent a kobo. It shows that our party is masses-friendly,” he said.

While responding to agitations by women for greater political inclusion, Babatunde assured that their interests would be considered during consultations leading to the emergence of candidates.

He described APC as a women-friendly party, saying, “You can attest to that in the appointments that have been made so far. In this regime and the previous one, we had women occupying the position of the SSG, the positions of commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, and special assistants to the Governor.

“This is to tell you that we have a party that is gender-sensitive, and we will hold on to that.

“As chairman, my duty is to push for effective women inclusion, not just in appointive positions but also in elective positions,” he stated.

He, however, maintained that final decisions rest with the state governor as leader of the party, noting that his role is to provide political advice and help shape decisions in the interest of party members.

“I will always have my say in the party, but the leader of the party will always have his way,” he said.

Babatunde commended the peaceful conduct of the rally and assured participants that their demands would be communicated to the governor.

“We may not be able to get this done 100 per cent, but I can assure you that the interests of women will be taken care of in our party,” he said.

The rally which commenced at Adegbemile in Akure to the governor’s office Alagbaka, had female aspirants under the umbrella of APC in attendance, including female political leaders across the state.