The Center for Leadership Legacy International has voiced the alarm over the perceived marginalization of the Defunct Tinubu/Shettima Women’s Presidential Campaign Council, a key bloc within the All Progressive Congress (APC), despite their instrumental role in securing the party’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.
The Centre has also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and his wife to take immediate and decisive action to heed to advice and integrate the group’s members into the government, not only as a matter of fairness but also to foster trust and ensure a stable future.
The organisation emphasised 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.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the Centre’s Lead Director, Comrade Omonu Gowon-Nelson, highlighting significant sacrifices, including financial contributions and personal risks, to support the party’s success from the campaigns to the general elections.
According to Comrade Omonu, a recent investigation carried out by the Centre, revealed the discontentment among “members from the defunct Tinubu/Shettima Women’s Presidential Campaign Council, despite their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the party’s cause.”
He said: “The defunct campaign team, headed by the trio former First Lady Aisha Buhari and co-led by Senator Remi Tinubu and Mrs. Nana Shettima, 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.
He lamented that “the President’s approach to recognising and rewarding contributions has been woefully inadequate and dismissive of the women’s tireless efforts and sacrifices, especially after the elections.
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.
“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 breathe of this country, putting their lives at risk. Yet, in the wake of victory, they face a bitter reality of neglect.
“Consequently, they merit appointment to key positions” he said.
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 worries over the 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 sailed through the storming weather.
“The failure to harness the potential of these women to promote inclusivity, rewards, and equality is a glaring omission that requires urgent attention.
Again, the persistently skewed appointment process has heightened our concerns, making it distressing to behold a reward mechanism that callously disregards the invaluable efforts of women, particularly mothers, who ought to be championed and empowered.
He however, encouraged President Tinubu to uphold his renowned reputation for reliability and translate his words into tangible actions. He also appealed to the First Lady and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and meaningful outreach to narrow the gap between themselves and the people.
