A group known as the Democratic Voice for Good Governance (DVGG) has strongly criticized what it describes as the alleged marginalization of female aspirants during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for National Assembly positions held on May 16, 2026, in Lagos State.
Group Expresses Concern Over Gender Imbalance
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its spokesperson, Alani Akorede, the group warned that the outcome of the primaries could have a negative impact on the ruling party's performance in upcoming elections if concerns regarding gender inclusion are not adequately addressed. DVGG highlighted that, with the exception of Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf in Alimosho, female aspirants across various federal constituencies in Lagos were reportedly unsuccessful in securing party tickets. This development, the group argued, is inconsistent with the APC's publicly stated commitment to promoting women's participation in politics.
The group further contended that the results appear to contradict the party's promise under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to achieve a 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance. According to DVGG, the primary process has raised serious questions about the implementation of the party's inclusion policy, particularly in Lagos, where the APC's national leadership wields significant influence.
Statistical Evidence of Underrepresentation
DVGG referenced a recent national newspaper report indicating that out of 91 aspirants who contested the APC House of Representatives primaries in Lagos, only 12 were women. This figure represents a mere 15.4 percent of the total field, falling well short of the party's stated 35 percent target. The report further alleged that none of the female aspirants secured guaranteed tickets and highlighted specific concerns regarding the process in Kosofe Federal Constituency.
The group cited allegations that no primary election took place in any of the wards in Kosofe, yet a male aspirant was declared the winner by the returning officer, Gabriel Olusesan Dada. DVGG argued that if there had been a decision to replace the incumbent lawmaker, Kafilat Ogbara, another female aspirant from the constituency, Remi Odunsi, could have emerged to maintain female representation.
Other Female Aspirants Allegedly Edged Out
The group also noted that other female aspirants, including Ramota Akinlola-Hassan and Rasheedat Adu, among others, were reportedly edged out despite being considered qualified and well-prepared for the positions. According to DVGG, this development could undermine grassroots mobilization, as women constitute a major part of the APC's support base in Lagos.
The group maintained that while the party reduced nomination fees for female aspirants and created positions for women within party structures, these measures have not translated into electoral outcomes. It argued that there were no safeguards during the primaries to ensure that women were adequately represented in candidate selection.
Call for Review and Action
DVGG called on APC stakeholders at both the state and national levels to review the primary process and ensure that the party's constitutional and manifesto commitments on inclusion are reflected in practice. It specifically urged the party leadership to revisit complaints surrounding the Kosofe process and consider measures that would improve female representation in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group said it aligns with the position of the national newspaper report, adding that its own findings reflect widespread concerns among party supporters and voters regarding the outcome of the primaries.
