Group Accuses Lagos APC Of Marginalising Women In National Assembly Primaries

A civil society organisation, Democratic Voice for Good Governance (DVGG), has criticised the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly primaries in Lagos State, alleging that female aspirants were systematically sidelined during the exercise.

In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Alani Akorede, the group warned that the outcome of the May 16, 2026 primaries could hurt the ruling party’s electoral fortunes if concerns over gender inclusion are ignored ahead of the 2027 elections.

DVGG lamented that, apart from Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf in Alimosho, female aspirants across Lagos federal constituencies failed to secure party tickets, a development the group described as inconsistent with the APC’s public commitment to women’s political participation.

According to the group, the outcome appeared to contradict the 35 per cent affirmative action pledge associated with the Renewed Hope agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The organisation argued that the primary process raised serious questions about how the party intends to implement its inclusion policies, particularly in Lagos, widely regarded as the political stronghold of the APC leadership.

DVGG referenced media reports indicating that only 12 out of 91 aspirants who contested the APC House of Representatives primaries in Lagos were women, representing just 15.4 per cent of the total contestants — far below the party’s stated target for female representation.

The group also cited allegations surrounding the Kosofe Federal Constituency primary, where it claimed no actual election was conducted across the wards despite the declaration of a male aspirant as winner by returning officer, Gabriel Olusesan Dada.

According to DVGG, if the party had intended to replace incumbent lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara, another female aspirant, Remi Odunsi, could have emerged in order to sustain female representation in the constituency.

The group further alleged that other female aspirants, including Ramota Akinlola-Hassan and Rasheedat Adu, were edged out despite being qualified for the positions they sought.

DVGG warned that the development could weaken grassroots mobilisation efforts within the party, noting that women form a significant segment of the APC support base in Lagos State.

The organisation acknowledged that the APC had previously reduced nomination fees for female aspirants and created positions for women within party structures but argued that such measures had not translated into actual electoral success for women during the primaries.

It also criticised the absence of safeguards to ensure adequate female representation during candidate selection processes.

The group called on APC leaders at both state and national levels to review the conduct of the primaries and ensure that the party’s constitutional and manifesto commitments to inclusion are reflected in practice.

DVGG specifically urged the party to revisit complaints surrounding the Kosofe primary and adopt measures that would improve female representation ahead of the 2027 general elections.