Fidelis David in Akure

The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs Mary Idele, on Wednesday expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure more than 60 per cent of the total votes cast in the 2027 general election, declaring that there is "no vacancy" in Aso Rock ahead of the presidential poll.

Idele made the declaration in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a sensitisation and empowerment programme on gender equality and women's participation in governance organised under the Project 774 Explode Initiative.

She also applauded the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for what she described as the far-reaching impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in empowering women and vulnerable groups across the country.
According to her, the APC remains committed to sustaining the reforms of the Tinubu administration and is already mobilising women nationwide to ensure the President's re-election.

"There is a party called the All Progressives Congress (APC) which is currently flying the flag of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. We want to see continuity of the good work of Mr President and we are also telling Nigerians that four plus four must be eight," she said.

Idele declared that women would play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2027 election.

"In fact, we are saying there is no vacancy at the Villa. Therefore, we are not looking for anybody to come and occupy it. The women of this country are ready to vote because if women do not vote, nobody wins. We are prepared to return Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

"In total, we will deliver more than 60 per cent of the votes for Mr President. The APC family will win the next election without any question of doubt.

"A lot of difficult decisions have been taken by this administration, but they were necessary to put Nigeria on the right path. For the first time, students now have access to loans to pursue higher education. That is an initiative that must continue so that our children can realise their educational aspirations and prove that education is never a scam."

Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Seun Aiyedatiwa, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Bosede Adelami, stressed the need for greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making processes.

She said the programme was aimed at encouraging women to take active roles in leadership and public service, noting that, "Today, we gather not as strangers, but as partners united by a common purpose to build a society where every woman and girl can participate fully, equally and safely in shaping the future of our state.

"We meet at a time when the need for inclusive leadership has never been more compelling. When women's voices are heard in the corridors of policy-making, communities flourish; when women lead, families prosper; and when women are fairly represented in governance, decisions better reflect the aspirations and realities of the entire population."

She observed that despite notable progress, women still face social, cultural, economic and institutional barriers that hinder their access to leadership positions.
"That is why gatherings like this are so important. They enlighten, inspire and empower us to take meaningful action in advancing a more inclusive society," she added.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa explained that the initiative seeks to deepen awareness of gender equality principles and the legal frameworks supporting women's participation in politics, while equipping women with leadership, advocacy, public speaking and campaign management skills needed to contest elective offices.

She added that the programme would also strengthen partnerships among women, community leaders and institutions to dismantle barriers to adequate representation.

Also speaking, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, reaffirmed his administration's commitment to encouraging more women, particularly young women, to participate actively in politics and governance.

He described Project 774 Explode Initiative as a laudable platform capable of inspiring grassroots women to become active participants in Nigeria's democratic process.
"We must remain unrelenting in this advocacy that aligns with initiatives such as Project 774 Explode. It is a significant and inspiring programme that deserves the support of government and well-meaning Nigerians.

"An initiative such as this inspires participation, builds confidence, deepens political consciousness and prepares women at the grassroots to become active stakeholders in governance rather than passive observers of the democratic process. A democracy that excludes the voices of women deprives itself of wisdom, balance, innovation and compassion," the governor said.

Earlier, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said Governor Aiyedatiwa had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to women's inclusion through appointments and opportunities in governance.

According to her, more women now occupy elective and strategic decision-making positions in the state than ever before, reflecting the administration's resolve to promote gender inclusiveness.