The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has decided to allocate 50% of its National and State Assembly tickets to women for the 2027 general elections. This move aims to boost female involvement in governance.
During the party’s primaries held at its Osogbo secretariat on Saturday, candidates for legislative positions were unveiled and ratified by delegates.
Osun NNPP Chairman Tosin Odeyemi emphasized that women should be encouraged to take on more significant roles in public service, describing them as brave, capable, and resilient when given leadership opportunities. He noted that the party acknowledges women’s crucial role in mobilizing political support and driving national progress, which led to the decision to reserve half of the legislative tickets for them.
“Osun NNPP is ready for the elections. Nigerians are weary of parties that make empty promises. We recognize the strength of our women,” Odeyemi stated. He added, “That is why we are giving them 50% of our National Assembly and State Assembly tickets for 2027.”
The chairman also mentioned that the party is ramping up preparations for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State and promised greater inclusion of women in governance if the NNPP wins. “We are working hard to improve our chances in the 2026 governorship poll. If voters support us, women will hold key positions in our administration,” he said.
Odeyemi pledged support for women in private businesses, stating they would receive attention from an NNPP-led government. “We firmly believe in the capacity of our women,” he added.
He urged candidates to run issue-based campaigns, avoid personal attacks, and focus on matters affecting voters. Aspirants should only make promises they can deliver if elected.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Folasayo Makinde, the NNPP candidate for Osun West Senatorial District, called on women across the state to actively participate in politics and pursue leadership roles with determination. She noted that women often play significant roles during election campaigns but are frequently sidelined after victories. “Men use us more during campaigns; they believe in our ability to gather votes, but once in power, they neglect us,” she said.
Makinde commended the party for creating opportunities for women to contest elective offices and expressed confidence in women’s ability to contribute meaningfully to governance. She appealed to voters, especially women in Osun West, to support her candidacy, promising not to disappoint if elected.
Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present at the primaries, where the party’s candidates were formally affirmed as flag bearers for the upcoming polls.