Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to implement the party’s resolution to reserve 40% of councillorship positions for women candidates in the upcoming local government elections on October 19.
Speaking at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of female representation in politics.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, highlighted the Governor’s commendation of the APC’s decision to nominate women as Vice Chairmanship candidates across the 21 local government areas and to select elected women councillors as council leaders.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of former Governor Yahaya Bello in meeting the 35% affirmative action for women in elective positions. He pledged that the APC in Kogi State would continue to provide more opportunities for women, recognizing their loyalty and support for the party.
The Governor also urged the party leadership to engage in broad consultations with stakeholders to ensure the selection of suitable candidates for the 239 wards and 21 local government areas, cautioning against the imposition of candidates.
Governor Ododo assured Kogi residents that the local government elections would be peaceful, free, and fair. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely interventions in critical sectors, noting that the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy has relieved his administration. With this ruling, local government funds from the federation account will now go directly to the local government areas, bypassing the state Joint Account Committee.
