The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculations linking the recent deaths of two female councillors in the state to politics, describing the claims as baseless and insensitive.
The deceased councillors, Oluwakemi Rufai of Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area and Zainab Shotayo, the only female councillor in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Ilupeju, both passed away within the same week, barely a month after being sworn into office.
Their deaths sparked controversy in some quarters, with allegations that political undercurrents may have been responsible.
Reacting on Friday, APC spokesperson in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation, stressing that both councillors died after brief illnesses and not due to any political reasons.
“It was reported that they were indisposed. It has nothing to do with politics.
This is a surprise, and whoever is making such claims is demeaning humanity,” Oladejo said.
He added that death was a natural occurrence that could happen in any walk of life, insisting it was wrong to politicise the unfortunate incidents.
Oladejo further emphasised the party’s commitment to women’s inclusion in governance, noting that the APC had deliberately allotted significant positions to women across different levels of government.
“Our women are everywhere holding positions across the board.
How can anybody now insinuate that such a party will be against women? Our government is gender-friendly and encourages women to come on board,” he said.
The party described the insinuations as “inhumane” and reiterated that it would continue to prioritise women in elective and appointive offices.