TheCable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated its women presidential campaign council.

Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the campaign council in Abuja, Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate, said women are important in the political process since they have the largest voting bloc in Nigeria.

He called on the council members to provide leadership by giving “100 percent” at the general election.

“Women are less corrupt. So, I am challenging you to provide leadership by giving your 100 percent at the general election next year,” he said.

“I charge you to display the unique attributes that God has endowed in you so we can succeed. If you want to be relevant, deliver your unit and I believe you can.

“I call on you Nigerian women to come out, campaign and vote and ensure those votes are counted and protected.”

The presidential candidate added women are the most loyal party members, and “that is why we are supporting women to participate in our democratic process”.

“When I was VP, I visited a country called Sweden where I was to have a meeting with their government. It was headed by women. Their minister for finance was a woman, education minister was a woman,” he said.

“By the time I looked at my delegation and that of Sweden, I found out mine was full of men. I then committed myself that as long as I remain in politics, I will promote women.

“And between 1999 and 2007, we complied with the Beijing arrangement. Our main objective of setting up this campaign is to ensure your active participation and by that, we will identify those active talent and harness them to build this country.”

On her part, Stella Attoe, national woman leader of the party, assured PDP that the women would pool votes from every home to ensure victory for Atiku.

“We know where the votes are and we will mobilise dem to vote for our party. Nigerians cannot wait to have you restore their hopes and I believe this is the best time for Nigeria to have a leader like you,” she said.

“Women are ready to run this race for you as we hit the grassroots as we rigorously campaign for you.”