Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the state’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, have called for increased political appointments for women, urging the incoming administration to give them greater opportunities in governance.
The two officials made the call on Tuesday at the Ogun State Political Women Stakeholders’ Forum held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the event, Salako-Oyedele said women had contributed significantly to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly through grassroots mobilisation and party activities, but had not received adequate recognition in political appointments.
She urged women to move beyond mobilising votes for political candidates and demand positions that would allow them to participate directly in decision-making and governance.
“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,” she said.
The deputy governor acknowledged Governor Dapo Abiodun’s efforts towards women’s development through empowerment programmes and political appointments, urging the next administration to sustain and improve on the initiatives.
She also expressed support for the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and his running mate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
However, Salako-Oyedele urged women not to limit their demands to political appointments, encouraging them to advocate solutions to challenges affecting their communities, including unemployment, poor roads, inadequate markets and schools.
She called on female political stakeholders to serve as a link between their communities and political leaders by communicating residents’ concerns and demanding government attention.
In her remarks, the First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, urged women to translate their numerical strength and grassroots influence into greater political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on the theme, “Stronger Together: Women Unite for Victory, One Woman, Ten Votes,” she encouraged women to support APC candidates through coordinated grassroots mobilisation.
“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, mobilise them and lead them to the polls for APC,” she said.
The forum brought together female political stakeholders and party members to discuss women’s participation in politics and their role in the forthcoming general elections.
