TheCable

The Nigerian Women Arise For Nigeria (NIWAFON) says it has begun “aggressive” mobilisation of delegates for Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state.

In a statement in Lagos, on Tuesday, the group said over 600 women groups from different parts of the country have been assigned to meet with delegates ahead of the national convention to elect the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election.

Hanatu Adeeko, national coordinator of NIWAFON, said the women groups involved in the movement include non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, professional bodies, women in media, politics, market women as well as top women entrepreneurs.

She stated that no effort would be spared in ensuring the emergence of Bello as the APC presidential candidate.

According to her, NIWAFON has moved in to prepare delegates by providing them with the necessary information that would guide them in making an informed choice during the party’s convention.

“We’ve taken it upon ourselves
to collectively canvass support for Governor Bello, who we know clearly has demonstrated the ability to resolve the myriads of challenges confronting Nigeria,” Adeeko said.

“He has empowered and supported women to grow. No state in Nigeria has given more positions to women than Kogi. And sincerely, the state is getting it right in critical areas. We want to encourage other governors to walk the talk by standing with that one governor that has made us proud. Governor Yahaya Bello must know that once he has women on his side, he can go to sleep. We believe in his capacity and will make it happen.

“This will be the first in a long while that women on their own will come together in their numbers to lead a political movement.

“We have observed closely the people that have shown interest in the presidency and if we continue to keep quiet, the change we desire may not manifest. This is the reason we are getting directly involved in mobilising delegates.”

She further stated that
Bello, as governor, has redefined governance in Kogi state with sterling and verifiable performance and would replicate the achievement across the country if elected president.