Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
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The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District at the upper legislative house, Mrs Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, has explained that she has no regret for dumping her former political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Rasaki who recently decamped from the All Progressives Congress (APC) shortly before the July 14, 2018 governorship election held in the state, said despite loosing the senatorial ticket to Mr Opeyemi Bamidele in the party’s primary held in September, 2018, said she has no regret dumping her former party.
The APC senator spoke at the APC Secretariat in Ado Ekiti during a courtesy call on Mr Paul Omotoso-led State Working Committee of the party.
Speaking on the February 16, presidential election, Rasaki said the people of Ekiti state would vote massively for President Buhari in the next election to widen the margin between the APC and its rival, PDP far more than what was witnessed during the July 14, 2018 governorship election.
She assured Nigerian women that their empowerment in terms of appointments will be priority of President Muhammadu Buhari after assuming office for a second term.
The Senator said Nigeria has not complied with the 35 percent affirmative for women in government for elective and appointive positions, urging stakeholders to form part of the advocacy to ensure that womenfolk are made relevant in policy making in the country.
In the election, APC candidate, Governor Kayode Fayemi defeated Prof Kolapo Olusola of the PDP with a marginal votes of 19, 000 votes.
The Senator said the Senate Committee on Women Affairs has a special advocacy organ canvassing for women participation in politics, expressing confidence that this will form part of the cardinal focus of President Buhari in his second term.
“In Nigeria, 35 percent affirmative has not been met, even at all levels and that is why we are advocating that our governments must remove barriers militating against women to get positions in government.
“But I know that empowering women and make them relevant will be priority of President Buhari in his second term.