Prominent Igbo women in Lagos have declared their support for Angela Yinka Akintunde in her bid to represent Oshodi–Isolo Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made under the platform of Igbo Women Stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress during a strategic meeting where the group also urged Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the 35 percent affirmative action policy for women’s inclusion in governance, as outlined in his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the gathering, the group’s coordinator and Legal Adviser to Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Nkechi Akubuzor, described Akintunde’s candidacy as a historic step.
She noted that Akintunde is currently the only female aspirant contesting against nine male candidates in the constituency.
Akubuzor highlighted the longstanding underrepresentation of women in the area, stating that no woman has ever been elected to represent Oshodi–Isolo at the National Assembly, despite consistent support for male candidates over the years.
She said the group’s collective endorsement reflects growing demand for gender inclusion in politics, stressing that women must move beyond symbolic roles to active participation in leadership.
The group also submitted an appeal calling for full implementation of the 35 percent affirmative policy across all levels of government, arguing that increased female participation would help reduce electoral violence and promote more inclusive governance.
Highlighting Akintunde’s profile, the group described her as experienced and widely accepted across communities.
Her Yoruba and Edo heritage, alongside strong grassroots connections, was cited as a key advantage in fostering unity within the constituency.
Also speaking, Treasurer of the group and Public Relations Officer of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Stella Onyianta, criticised what she termed “tokenism” in women’s political participation, calling for genuine inclusion.
She urged women to actively engage in the electoral process by obtaining voter cards and participating fully in upcoming elections.
An elder of the group, Grace Nnaji, called for a shift in political dynamics, appealing to male aspirants to support Akintunde’s candidacy.
She warned that women in the constituency could mobilise under the slogan “No Woman, No Vote” if their demands are not addressed.
Other stakeholders, including Nnena Okafor, expressed confidence in Akintunde’s capacity to deliver effective representation and advance gender balance in governance.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the group to mobilise grassroots support, positioning Akintunde’s candidacy as a symbol of inclusion, progress, and political transformation.
Written by John Obot