Building Forward Together: Women’s Role in Oyo APC’s Next Chapter By: Dr. Adekemi Opatunde, PhD APC State Woman Leader, Oyo State

“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.” William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

This cycle, women secured 12.24% of tickets overall:
Senate: 1 of 3 = 33.33%
House of Representatives: 2 of 14 = 14.29%
House of Assembly: 3 of 32 = 9.38%

It is a moment to pause, reflect, and ask: how do we grow toward the 35% affirmative action for women in Oyo State that our party has embraced in principle?

Tonight, my heart is full of both reflection and gratitude. Reflection, because many of our sisters invested deeply in this race and were not on the final list. Gratitude, because for the first time we have female representation across all three categories: Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly. That is progress we must celebrate and protect.

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong… but time and chance happen to them all.” This reminds us that every season has its purpose.

To our respected party leaders, I speak with respect and hope. The women of Oyo APC have served the party devotedly. We are ready to do more. I appeal to our brothers in the APC to walk with us, mentor us, and support all our female candidates to victory. These are our tickets, this is our task, and together, our win will be a collective one.

As State Woman Leader, I carry a responsibility to build bridges. For he who must come to equity must come with clean hands, and truth must be told with love. My commitment is to unity, to hard work, and to ensuring that not one of the seats entrusted to us is lost.

Lord, please help us, for we have no helper but You.

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet