Martina Yilwatda, Women’s Leadership Network rally support for Tinubu, urge passage of Reserved Seats Bill

Patron of the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN), Dr. Martina Yilwatda, has urged Nigerian women to rally behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as a leader dedicated to women’s empowerment, inclusion, and national progress.

Yilwatda made the call in Jos while addressing members of her support group shortly after the funeral of her husband’s mother, Mama Nana Lydia Yilwatda.

She assured that women’s welfare and participation in governance would remain a top priority under the Tinubu administration.

According to her, President Tinubu has consistently shown a sincere commitment to gender equality and would readily give assent to the Reserved Seats for Women Bill once passed by the National Assembly.

The proposed legislation aims to create 37 additional Senate seats—one per state and the Federal Capital Territory—as well as 37 new seats in the House of Representatives, designated exclusively for women.

“A vote for the APC is a vote for progress, growth, and sustainable development,” Yilwatda stated. “To my fellow women, this is your government. President Tinubu represents the renewed hope and opportunities we have long yearned for.”

She expressed gratitude to women from across Nigeria who came to commiserate with her family and pledged to keep working alongside her husband to advance women’s empowerment nationwide.

Also speaking, the WLN National Coordinator, Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, described Prof. Yilwatda as a visionary figure whose dedication to women’s inclusion continues to inspire others. She reaffirmed the network’s resolve to push for the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill.

“Our organization brings together women from diverse political, professional, and social backgrounds,” Dr. Fauziya said. “The Reserved Seats Bill has received strong backing from the Deputy Speaker, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President, the APC National Chairman, and President Tinubu himself—all of whom support gender inclusivity. Once passed and signed into law, this reform will mark a major milestone for Nigerian women and a significant achievement for our party.”

Prominent WLN members, Deborah J.H. Oriaku and Princess Nikky Onyeri, who also represented the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria, commended President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman for their gender-sensitive leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.

“We are confident that the Tinubu administration will continue to open doors of opportunity for women in leadership and governance,” they added.