The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mary Alile Idele, says women remain central to deepening the party’s grassroots mobilisation and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the federation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria in Abuja, Dr. Idele underscored the strategic role of women-led support groups and community networks in strengthening political participation nationwide.
Highlighting the importance of rural and urban mobilisers, she said “We need our women in that village. This is germane because these women, they are the grassroots. We need our women in that city, they are the ones that know the madame that needs to know another madame.”
Dr. Idele commended APC women for spreading the Renewed Hope message at the community level.
She said; “We appreciate them because they take the message of the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency Mr. President and of course, the renewed hope initiative of the first lady to the grassroots.”
Sharing a personal reflection, Dr. Idele praised the First Lady’s support for senior citizens saying, “we take example when she touched the senior citizens… that moved me to tears because I’m thinking, who remember the senior citizen? My mom is a senior citizen… They know the roots. We took it over from them. They have the experience and their slogan: We are retired, but we are not tired.”
Dr. Idele urged women in leadership to mentor others and open opportunities for visibility.
“Women in politics, learn to mentor other women. Learn to bring other women into the lime space,” she said
She stressed that many capable women remain undiscovered at the grassroots.
“A lot of our women, especially political women in the grassroots, they are just waiting to be discovered… Without empowerment, we go nowhere.”Dr. Idele said.
On Women’s representation in governance, she stated that the All Progressives Congress is advocating constitutional reforms.
Dr. Idele said; “We are working tirelessly to ensure that the Reserved Seats bill is passed… If you take the Senate, for example, 109 with just four women, that is disgraceful. We don’t want that.”
While emphasizing women’s role in mediation and peacebuilding, she expressed confidence in the President’s support.
Dr. Idele urged women to remain committed and advocate for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.