A group of female chief executive officers heading federal government agencies on Thursday met with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja, where they pledged to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and strengthen women’s participation in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Special Adviser to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr. Abimbola Tooki the delegation, led by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, comprises 37 women leading key government agencies and parastatals.
During the visit to the APC National Secretariat, the women reaffirmed their commitment to the ruling party and highlighted the role of women in grassroots political mobilisation and national development.
Among members of the delegation were the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi; Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Temitope Ilori; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar; Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Bello; Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company, Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas; Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nonye Ayeni; and the General Manager of the National Theatre, Tola Akerele.
The delegation said the visit provided an opportunity to showcase the contributions of women in governance while advocating greater inclusion of women in political structures.
They noted that women play a crucial role in strengthening the party’s grassroots support base across the country, describing them as the backbone of political mobilisation in Nigeria.
According to the group, despite their active involvement in political activities and governance, women often face challenges such as limited political support, inadequate funding and underrepresentation in leadership positions.
The women also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing many of them into key leadership roles within government, saying the appointments reflect growing recognition of women’s capacity to contribute to national development.
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However, they called for greater gender balance in political appointments and party structures to ensure wider representation.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dabiri-Erewa said the women came together to support one another and highlight the collective impact of women occupying leadership positions in government.
She added that they were united in their commitment to support the APC and the Tinubu administration, while intensifying mobilisation efforts as the country moves toward the next election cycle.
Dabiri-Erewa also expressed confidence in the leadership of the APC National Chairman, noting that his inclusive approach would further strengthen the party.
Responding, Yilwatda commended the delegation for their leadership and contributions to governance, describing women as critical stakeholders in democratic participation and political mobilisation.
He congratulated the female CEOs on their appointments and assured them of the party’s support.
The APC chairman encouraged the women to remain active in party programmes and increase their visibility in political activities, noting that such engagement would help amplify their contributions and create greater opportunities for recognition.
He also assured them that the party leadership would support initiatives aimed at expanding women’s participation in politics and governance.
Yilwatda further disclosed that members of the delegation would be included in committees for the party’s forthcoming national convention as part of efforts to broaden women’s participation in party activities.
He urged the agency heads to continue publicising their programmes and achievements, saying greater visibility would help showcase the impact of government policies and strengthen public engagement with the party.
The APC chairman also emphasised the importance of grassroots mobilisation, noting that the party’s technology-driven membership database could help identify and engage women across communities nationwide.
He assured the delegation of continued collaboration with the party leadership to deepen women’s involvement in the APC.
The meeting ended with both sides expressing commitment to strengthening cooperation, expanding grassroots mobilisation among women and consolidating support for the ruling party and the Tinubu administration ahead of future elections.
