Key leaders in Ogun State have challenged the incoming administration to significantly raise the number of women appointed to political offices and leadership roles. The demand was presented on Tuesday during the Ogun State Political Women Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abeokuta, according to Punch.
The gathering, put together by the state’s First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, focused on unifying female voters ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, addressed the participants, stating that female party members invest substantial effort into party development across all levels without receiving commensurate rewards in governance.
Salako-Oyedele explained that seeking better representation is not a contest against male counterparts, but an appeal for fairness. She noted that while women work tirelessly from the wards up to the state level, their contributions are rarely matched with enough recognition once government positions are shared.
The deputy governor commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for supporting women through empowerment schemes like Okowo Dapo and past appointments. She urged whoever succeeds him to build upon those records, while also expressing confidence in the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and his running mate.
Beyond holding public office, Salako-Oyedele encouraged women to serve as vital links between their neighbourhoods and elected officials. She advised them to champion community needs such as road repairs, better schools, functioning markets, and youth employment.
On her part, the convener of the forum, Bamidele Abiodun, told participants to turn their strong numbers into actual political influence. She cautioned against remaining mere cheerleaders during campaigns, urging women to take a direct hand in shaping government decisions.
Abiodun gave the attendees a campaign assignment to mobilise support for the ruling party, setting a target where each woman brings ten people to cast their ballots. She charged the crowd to act as dedicated party representatives who can convince residents, organise them, and escort them to polling stations on election day.
