A pro-democracy organisation, Ondo State Vanguard for Democracy, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to promote greater female participation in elective politics by supporting former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Jumoke Akindele Ajulo, for the forthcoming Ondo South Senatorial bye-election.
The group made the appeal in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Akinjomo Adeola, ahead of the poll expected to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as an ambassador by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the group, the bye-election offers the APC an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to gender inclusion and broaden women’s participation in governance.
The organisation commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for appointing women into various positions within his administration, describing the move as a positive step towards inclusive governance.
However, it argued that women should not only be considered for appointive positions but should also be actively encouraged to occupy strategic elective offices.
“Democracy can only flourish when women are not merely participants at the margins, but active decision-makers at the highest levels of leadership,” the statement said.
The group described Ajulo as one of the most experienced female politicians in Ondo State, citing her emergence as the first female Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly as evidence of her leadership capacity and legislative experience.
It added that the former Speaker had remained politically active and maintained strong grassroots connections across the six local government areas in Ondo South Senatorial District.
According to the statement, Ajulo enjoys wide acceptance among party loyalists, professionals, youth groups and community stakeholders within the district.
The organisation further argued that backing her senatorial ambition would reinforce the APC’s commitment to fairness, inclusion and gender balance at a time when women remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s political space.
It also noted that Ajulo’s emergence would promote political balancing within the district, pointing out that both she and Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim are from the same local government area.
The group maintained that women had continued to prove their capacity in governance, legislative advocacy, conflict resolution and community development.
It added that increased female representation in public office often translates to stronger attention to issues such as healthcare, education, youth empowerment and family welfare.
The organisation therefore urged Governor Aiyedatiwa, APC leaders and delegates in Ondo South to rally support for Ajulo’s aspiration in the interest of inclusive governance and democratic development.
It added that the outcome of the process would either be remembered as another missed opportunity for women inclusion or a defining moment in Ondo State’s democratic evolution.