Bayelsa All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Forum has called for the inclusion of its members in political appointments by the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Julie Donli, the chairperson of the forum, made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Ms Donli, a former director-general of NAPTIP, said the forum had enough technocrats and professionals who could add much value to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led government if given the opportunity.

She appealed to the party’s leadership to consider its members for political appointments at all levels.

Ms Donli said the demand for inclusion by Bayelsa APC women in Mr Tinubu’s government also reflected a broader call for greater representation of women in governance.

She said the movement was driven by the promises made during Mr Tinubu’s campaign, where he vowed to increase women’s participation in government to at least 35 per cent.

Ms Donli expressed concerns about the lack of women’s representation in political appointments despite the critical role they played in Mr Tinubu’s electoral victory.

She noted that the women gave everything, including their time, energy and resources, adding that some even paid the ultimate price toward the success of Mr Tinubu’s campaign.

“Now, we are two years into the administration’s victory we helped to deliver, yet not a single one of us has been appointed or acknowledged. Our women have not been compensated for all their pains and sacrifices, and we feel neglected.

“As Bayelsa APC women, we want to advocate that we should be carried along in all the party’s affairs, not just in the state, but at the federal level.

“We are closer to the party women at the grassroots, the largest voting bloc in the state, and so our demography should not be neglected,” she said.

The chairperson recalled that Bayelsa APC women were part and parcel of the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu’s, campaign train, who traversed the length and breadth of the country and took the message to the grassroots.

“We campaigned vigorously and tirelessly in the riverine communities which others couldn’t reach. But today, our dedication and work have been undervalued, while others who didn’t contribute as much are being rewarded,” Ms Donli said.

The woman leader emphasised the urgency for Mr Tinubu and party leadership to address the concerns of their supporters to rebuild trust, boost morale and maintain the enthusiasm of its support base.

(NAN)