To every woman of aspiration and leadership across this nation: The era of being “quietly qualified” or waiting for permission to lead is officially over. We have seen women perform exceedingly well in every sector, often surpassing their counterparts in competence, vision, and dedication. Leadership is not a favor granted by a few; it is a right enshrined in our laws. We must now transition from political timidity to constitutional confidence, moving beyond the sidelines and into the heart of the decision-making process.
Do not be intimidated when you are labeled as “difficult” or “uncooperative” simply for standing your ground; these labels are often used as tactics to silence strong voices. If you do not agree with a hand-picked “consensus,” do not bow out or be elbowed into the shadows. Under **Section 84(9) and (10) of the Electoral Act**, you are legally shielded from forced consensus. No leader can sideline your ambition without your written consent; if you refuse to sign, the law mandates a direct or indirect primary where the members—not backroom deals—decide.
This movement is about much more than looking pretty on a poster for Facebook or digital platforms. True leadership is about raising your voice where it matters. It is about going out, networking, and making your presence felt on every media outlet—from radio stations and TV interviews to press conferences and town halls. You must be heard, you must be visible, and you must be bold. Your qualification is not a decoration; it is a tool for national transformation.
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This is not about political parties; it is about the collective power of the women. Regardless of your party affiliation, we must come together as a gender to raise our voices in unison. We must insist on the 35% Affirmative Action upheld by our courts and the principle that in any decision-making body of five, at least two must be women. Competence is universal, and there is no challenge facing this nation that a woman is not fully equipped to solve.
The time for silence is gone. Whether you are seeking consensus or standing alone, let your voice be heard in the wards, the local governments, and at the national level. You are not just asking for a seat; you are claiming a space that the Constitution of Nigeria and the INEC Gender Policy already say belongs to you. Stand firm, demand your right to a direct primary, and refuse to be intimidated. Your voice is your power, and the law is your shield—claim your space now!
