The Patron of the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN), Prof. Martina Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian women to unite in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. She described President Tinubu as a leader firmly committed to women’s empowerment, inclusion, and national development.
Prof. Yilwatda made the call in Jos, while addressing hundreds of women from her support group shortly after the funeral of her husband’s mother, Mama Nana Lydia Yilwatda. She assured the gathering that under President Tinubu’s administration, the welfare and interests of women would continue to be a national priority.
“President Tinubu has shown genuine commitment to gender equality, and I have no doubt that he will assent to the Reserved Seats for Women Bill once it is passed by the National Assembly,” Prof. Yilwatda said.
The proposed bill seeks to create 37 additional seats in the Senate—one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory—as well as 37 seats in the House of Representatives, all exclusively reserved for women.
“A vote for the APC is a vote for progress, growth, and sustainable development,” she stated. “To my fellow women, this is your government. President Tinubu represents the renewed hope and opportunities we have long yearned for.”
Prof. Yilwatda also extended her heartfelt appreciation to women from across the country who came to condole with her family, promising to continue working alongside her husband to promote the empowerment and advancement of women across Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, National Coordinator of the Women’s Leadership Network, described Prof. Yilwatda as a visionary leader whose commitment to women’s inclusion has inspired many.
“Our organization brings together women from diverse political, professional, and social backgrounds. The Reserved Seats Bill has received overwhelming support from the Deputy Speaker, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President, the APC National Chairman, and President Tinubu himself,” Dr. Fauziya said. “Once passed and signed into law, this reform will mark a historic milestone for Nigerian women and a major achievement for our party.”
Other prominent members of the Network, Deborah J.H. Oriaku and Princess Nikky Onyeri, who also represented the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria, commended President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman for their gender-sensitive leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.
“We are confident that the Tinubu administration will continue to open doors of opportunity for women in leadership and governance,” they affirmed.
The event, though solemn, became a rallying point for the women’s movement, reinforcing a strong message of unity, political engagement, and hope for a more inclusive future under the current administration.