A support group for Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearers has inaugurated its national coordinators for the 36 states of the federation and the FCT in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement issued by the founder of the group, Innocent Onwenkendi, in Abuja on Monday.

The group, under the aegis of Nigeria Democratic Congress Women Support Group (NDCWSG), said the aim was to mobilise women nationwide for the victory of NDC presidential candidate, Mr Obi, in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at the inauguration of the state coordinators in Abuja, Mr Onwenkendi said the movement was committed to the victory of Mr Obi and other NDC candidates in the upcoming elections.

He said women needed opportunities and support to enable them to contribute positively to the economy, adding that this could only be achieved through good leadership.

“The vision is to empower women because they are a strong and important part of the society, but unfortunately, they have not been adequately carried along, just like the youths.

“We want a government that can meet the needs of women by providing opportunities and support that will improve their lives and reduce their sufferings.

“If you go into the streets today, you will see women struggling and, in some cases, begging to survive. But with good people in leadership, things will work out better.

“God has blessed Nigeria with abundant resources and everything we need, but bad governance and poor management have continued to hold the country back.

“For me, mobilising women across the country for the NDC’s victory shows that I have confidence in the candidates. I believe they have what it takes to deliver, and I hope they will not disappoint the people,” Mr Onwenkendi said.

In her inaugural speech, the director-general of the group, Rose Okere, said the support group was not a political party but a solid platform committed to the NDC victory.

She commended its founder for investing in the movement and the executives for working assiduously to actualise the group’s vision.

“We have come a long way with this group. I give thanks to the founder and all the executives who have been working assiduously to actualise this dream.

“This group was formed mainly for women and it has embraced all the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.

“We have state coordinators and structures at the state, local government, ward and polling-unit levels.

“We are rooting for the victory of our presidential candidate and his running mate and all those contesting under NDC. We are visible in all the 36 states of the federation.

“Women say they will no longer remain in their comfort zones while their children are suffering;, hungry and with temptation to take to vices.

“We have to wage a battle for a better society. We have all of them. We have a solid structure formed by this great movement,” she said.

Mrs Okere further said that the proponents of the group felt it was wise to include the youths in the struggle.

“The organisation equally has a youth wing, with youths from all 36 states embedded in the movement,” she said.

According to her, the group’s assignment had been made easier by the perceived not very impressive performance of the federal government.

“We need credible people and leaders with empathy to lead us. All the NDC flag bearers will have our support,” she said.

The group D-G said that it would continue to sensitise women and youths and all voters in the rural communities on the side of NDC candidates.

“We shall also tell them that our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has long left the Labour Party and we will equally educate them on why they must not sell their votes,” she said.

Mrs Okere commended all the NDC members for their steadfastness and the party’s governorship candidate in Imo, Ngozi Olehie, for his position on transparency and accountability.

She thanked Ms Olehie for his commitment, especially his sponsorship of the national engagement in Abuja.

Earlier, Mohammed Sakburkyain, a party chieftain and organiser of the northern women sub-group, lauded the women for their unwavering support for a better Nigeria. 

(NAN)