•APC women rally
Women leaders and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eti-Osa East LCDA have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in ‘‘the unjust substitition of Balogun Fadewe, the only female candidate for vice chairmanship.
Speaking at a news conference, APC members decried the removal of Fadewe’s name from the list of candidates.
Jerry Ogunyemi, a member, urged Central Senatorial District Reconciliation Committee to re-examine circumstances surrounding her substitution, reports The Nation.
“Fadewe has contributed to the growth and development of Eti-Osa East as a councillor since 2008 and committed grassroots mobiliser. She deserves the ticket, not just for her record, but for equity and fairness,” Ogunyemi said.
He alleged that her substitution was orchestrated by a faction in the party, which he claimed had “pre-allocated positions” even before the primaries, thereby shutting out female participation.
Echoing his sentiments, Assistant Venerable Superior Babatunde Joseph described Fadewe as an asset to the community, crediting her and her family for donating land for key facilities such as the primary health centre, market, and a secondary school.
“Her selfless service and connection to the people make her the obvious choice. We are calling on President Tinubu and First Lady to ensure justice is served by restoring her mandate,” he said.
Many of the attendees, including women party leaders and ward representatives, deplored the ‘‘systematic exclusion of women from decision-making positions’’ in APC at the local level.
Clad in caps branded with “Women More – More Women”, they criticised the male-dominated leadership structure in Eti-Osa East.
They noted that executive positions from zonal to ward levels have always gone to men.
Modinat Imambanni, Secretary of Ward C, lamented that women are often used as tools during campaigns but rarely considered for leadership roles.
“During electioneering, women go where men cannot, they secure votes and mobilise effectively. But when it is time for leadership, we are sidelined,” she said.
Adebisi Agunbiade, Woman Leader of Ward C, added, “It is customary across Eti-Osa to balance leadership with a female vice chairman when the chairman is male. This principle has been disregarded in our case.”
According to reports from the press briefing, a civil servant was allegedly rushed to resign and take over the ticket meant for Fadewe, a move the women claim was hatched by a dominant faction within the party identified as the Justice Forum.
They insisted that the process lacked transparency and called on President Tinubu, whom they described as a father of modern democracy in Lagos, to correct the injustice.
“This is not just about Fadewe, it’s about the women of Eti-Osa East. We are demanding fairness, inclusion, and an end to political servitude,” said Blessing Onoja from Ward E.
