Osun APC Primaries: Ex-Deputy Governor, Titilayo Ponle, Commends Party for Promoting Youth and Women Inclusion
Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mama Titilayo Ponle, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State for its substantial compliance with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on inclusivity during the party’s recent primary elections.
Ahead of the primaries conducted nationwide, President Tinubu had strongly advocated peaceful electoral processes and greater representation for women and young people within the party. Emphasising the importance of inclusiveness, the President stated: “The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest. We cannot afford to relegate these two significant demographics of our population.”
Reflecting on the conduct and outcome of the primaries in Osun State, Mama Ponle expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance with the President’s vision, particularly regarding peaceful participation and the emergence of women and younger candidates.
“Our primaries in Osun substantially aligned with the aspirations of Mr President. I am particularly delighted by the peaceful conduct of the exercise and the emergence of young people and women as our candidates. These demographics are far too important to be overlooked,” she stated.
Mama Ponle also expressed profound appreciation to key party leaders and stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the successful conduct of the exercise.
She particularly commended Chief Bisi Akande and Baba Engr. Sola Akinwunmi for their fatherly guidance, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the growth of progressive politics in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
The former Deputy Governor further expressed sincere appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola*, for what she described as his mature, strategic, and stabilising leadership of the APC in Osun State.
Addressing the successful candidates, Mama Ponle urged them to remain magnanimous in victory and prioritise party cohesion ahead of future political engagements.
“I appeal to the winners, as well as all aspirants, to close ranks and work together in the interest of our great party. Winners and party leaders at all levels should extend olive branches to those who did not emerge successful,” she urged.
She further stressed the need to move beyond divisive politics, noting that political contests should never be viewed as a zero-sum game.
“We must move past the ‘do-or-die’ politics of the past. Politics should never be a winner-takes-all affair. Any candidate who emerges victorious does so on behalf of the entire party, and we must all rally together to strengthen our collective aspirations,” she added.
