Women Affairs Minister Steps Down From Senatorial Race

The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has withdrawn from running for the senatorial seat to retain her position.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) seeking elective positions to resign on or before May 16, as guided by the party constitution.

The Constitution of APC stipulates in Article 31 (1) (iii) (October 2014 As Amended), that: “Any Party Officeholder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of nomination or party primary for the office he or she is seeking to contest aspiring to any office must have resigned his/her appointment days”. 

Tallen, in a statement on Monday, stated that Nigeria is at a crucial point in history with women’s participation at the lowest ebb with just 6.7% at the Parliament, noting her commitment to seeing a better picture with Nigeria taking its rightful place as the true giant of Africa, and have therefore taken an informed perspective to support more Women across all political spheres at this time.

“I have decided to voluntarily step down from the Senatorial race sequel to the yearnings of Women and other well-meaning Nigerians who see the need for a strong voice for women in the Senate.

“Having consulted wide with my family, well-wishers, and supporters conscious of the role I play for Women in Nigeria today. So to all Nigerian women and young girls who have raised concerns as to what next, rest assured that I, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG have not submitted any resignation letter and therefore, it is my decision not to go ahead with this request but carry on as the Minister of Women Affairs.

“I thank and assure all my supporters that while their intention was well conceived, my current work in superintending the numerous projects for Mr. President as Women affairs Minister require my undivided attention. 

“Their quest is a good move in support of the clamour for more Women in elective and appointive positions, and considered to be critical in addressing the Gender question, I am compelled to focus on the foundations we have laid towards the advancement and realisation of gender equality in leadership positions in the country," she said.

She further stated that her withdrawal is compelled from the point of focusing on the foundations laid towards the advancement and realisation of gender equality in leadership positions in the country, noting her appointment as the Minister of Women Affairs has shown progress and cannot lose sight of the opportunity.  

“I wish to thank Mr. President for his commitment to the advancement of  Nigerian Women and his acclaimed promise to support and spotlight the importance of Women in our society. Our nation has a long-standing commitment to overcoming the challenges that inhibit  Women from bringing about positive changes and the requisite impacts when given a place at the table of decision making. 

 “Our quest for gender equality and broadening access to enable Women to participate meaningfully in Nation building is at the heart of my desire to unlock the potentials of women to bring about positive change in the history of Nigeria. The instruments with which we aim to bring about these changes may be new but the values upon which our success rests are most critical if appreciable, progress is to be made in fulfilling our well-conceived gender agenda. 

 “I remain resolute as I continue to relish the opportunity to serve Nigerian Women in my capacity as Minister of Women Affairs, as a humble servant of Nigerian Women, I am overwhelmed by the hard work, courage, patriotism and loyalty displayed by Women and I remain resolute to ride on these foundations to enable us to build solid structures to yield strategic progress to add through our history.

“At this crucial point in our Nation's history with women’s participation at the lowest ebb with just 6.7% at the Parliament, it is my desire to see a better picture with Nigeria taking its rightful place as the true giant of Africa, and with that, I have taken an informed perspective to support more Women across all political spheres at this time.