Aisha Buhari urges political parties to adopt women as running mates to candidates

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has called on political parties to always consider women as running mates to candidates contesting elections into various positions across the country.

Mrs. Buhari made the call on Saturday night when she hosted Presidential Aspirants from various political parties to a Ramadan (Iftar) breakfast at the State House, Abuja.

It was gathered that the Iftar was organised by the First Lady to provide opportunity for the aspirants to share love and happiness with one another in the spirit of Ramadan and in a quest for nation building.

According to the First Lady, fair-play for women in politics will ensure their greater participation in elective positions.

In her words, “In fact, it is high time women are adopted as running mates at all levels considering their voting strength and active involvement in political processes.

“As we approach the 2023 election with greater hope,  I am confident that Nigeria will continue to grow from strength to strength on the pedestal of our democratic tenets.”

The First Lady charged the presidential aspirants to remain focused on issues that strengthened the nation`s unity, brotherhood and national cohesion.

On his part, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, represented by a former governor of Edo State, Prof.  Oserheimen Osunbor, urged all aspirants to play politics without bitterness.

Osinbajo said the event offered Nigerians from different faiths and background the opportunity to reunite with one another to foster unity.

One of the APC aspirants and former governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, expressed gratitude to the  First Lady for bringing the diverse groups of Nigerians to share love and unity.

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and APC aspirant also expressed appreciation to the First Lady for bringing the presidential aspirants together to foster unity and nation cohesion.

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and PDP presidential aspirant said the gathering was historic going by the calibre of people in attendance.

Mohammed pledged to play the game with humility and mutual respect.

(NAN)