•Dr Mary Alile
The National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Mary Alile, has declared that there is “no vacancy” in Aso Rock ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that women across Nigeria will secure over 60 per cent of the votes needed to re-elect President Bola Tinubu.
Alile, who is also the founder of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), said the women of the ruling party had resolved to intensify mobilisation from the ward level to ensure the continuity of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reports The Nation.
The APC National Woman Leader made the declaration during the launch of Project 774 Explode, a grassroots mobilisation and women’s empowerment initiative of the party, held on Wednesday at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
“There is a political party called the All Progressives Congress (APC) which is currently flying the flag of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. The party is going into elections five months from now. We want to see continuity of the good work of Mr President, and we are also telling the people that 4+4 must be eight.
“In fact, we are telling people that there is no vacancy at the villa. Therefore, we are not seeking anybody to come and occupy. The women of the country are ready to vote, and if we are not voting, nobody is winning. So, we are ready to vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.”
“So, in total, we will have more than 60 per cent of the votes for Mr President. The APC family will be winning the next election without any question of doubt. A lot of difficult decisions have been made, and a lot of difficult decisions need to be made in order to get to where we are heading,” she said.
Alile explained that President Tinubu deserves another four-year term because his administration has embarked on far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy, despite the temporary hardships associated with such policies.
She cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, saying the initiative has expanded access to higher education for indigent students.
“For the first time, students can obtain loans to pursue their education. That is one policy that must be sustained because it gives hope to young Nigerians and proves that education remains the pathway to national development,” she added.
Alile lauded President Tinubu for implementing reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, local government autonomy, investment promotion and security, insisting that the foundations for long-term economic growth had already been laid.
She also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a life-changing intervention that has empowered women, youths, farmers, students and other vulnerable Nigerians across the country.
The APC National Woman Leader also applauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to grassroots development and women’s empowerment.
According to her, the governor’s OUR EASE agenda had translated into practical interventions through grants, skills acquisition programmes and other empowerment initiatives that have improved the livelihoods of women in the state.
“The women of Ondo State are happy because they are witnessing real development under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. His administration has consistently demonstrated that women matter through deliberate empowerment programmes and support for entrepreneurs across the state,” she said.
Describing Project 774 Explode as more than an empowerment programme, Alile said it was a nationwide movement designed to deepen grassroots participation, strengthen APC structures across the 774 local government areas and encourage greater participation of women and youths in governance.
Alile explained that many beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative had been selected from communities across the state, irrespective of political affiliation, and urged them to invest the financial support in productive ventures capable of improving their lives and those of their families.
“As we launch the 774 explode today, let this not be seen merely as another programme, but as a movement that deepens grassroots participation, strengthens our party structures, empowers women, inspires young people, and expands the frontiers of democratic inclusion throughout Nigeria.
“Together, let us continue to build a stronger APC. Together, let us continue to empower women. Together, let us continue to inspire our youth. Together, let us continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda. And together, by the grace of God, we shall achieve even greater victories for our party and our nation,” she said.
Speaking, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting gender equality and expanding women’s participation in governance.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, declared that sustainable development cannot be achieved when women are excluded from leadership and decision-making.
He described the Project 774 Explode Initiative as a timely intervention that seeks to unlock the enormous potential of women across communities while strengthening democratic governance and social justice.
The governor also commended the APC National Woman Leader for bringing the programme to the state, saying the initiative represents a bold commitment to ensuring greater inclusion of women in politics and public service.
“To you all, the industrious and resilient women gathered here today, I encourage you to embrace leadership with courage and confidence. Invest in education, acquire relevant skills, build strong networks and remain steadfast in integrity and excellence.”
“Leadership belongs to those who prepare for it, and I have no doubt that the women of Ondo State possess the capacity to shape a brighter future for our state and country.
“I equally call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors and the private sector to continue creating environments where women can flourish. Inclusive governance produces stronger institutions, better policies and more sustainable development outcomes,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the grants presented to beneficiaries would enable many women to become self-reliant and expand their businesses.
Osamaye said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration remained committed to improving women’s welfare through economic empowerment programmes under the OUR EASE Agenda.
According to her, beneficiaries were selected on merit and need rather than political affiliation.
“The grants presented today will enable many beneficiaries to become self-reliant and expand their businesses,” she added.
