From Roseline Okafor, Lafia
A group of All Progressives Congress (APC) women in Nasarawa North has launched a campaign for greater female representation in the state’s political leadership, calling for Hon. Angela Ayas Bako to be considered as deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The women, drawn from Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas, said the nomination of Bako alongside Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada would give the All Progressives Congress an opportunity to make history.
The group made the demand in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mrs. Awazi Namo.
Their argument centres largely on gender representation.
The women noted that Nasarawa State, created in 1996, has never produced a female governor or deputy governor.
They argued that after three decades of democratic development, the state should consider opening the door wider for women at the highest level of executive governance.
‘Time to Make History’
The group believes Bako’s potential nomination could provide that opportunity.
They described her as a banker and capital market professional with close to 20 years of experience in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Beyond her professional background, the women cited her engagement with women and youths and her grassroots relationships across the state.
They argued that her political appeal is not limited to Akwanga.
According to the statement, Bako also has maternal connections to the Lafia zone, where the group said she enjoys acceptance.
The women believe this could help strengthen the geographical and political balance of a Wadada-Bako ticket.
Loyalty Reward
Another issue highlighted by the women was Bako’s decision during the recent Nasarawa North senatorial bye-election.
The group said Bako withdrew from the contest after the party asked her to step aside for Senator Danladi Envulanza.
They presented the decision as evidence of party loyalty and political discipline.
According to them, Bako did not defect or abandon the party after stepping down.
The women argued that such conduct should be recognised when the party is considering candidates for future leadership positions.
Women as Political Stakeholders
The group said women should no longer be treated merely as voters and campaign mobilisers.
They argued that women constitute a substantial portion of the electorate and contribute significantly to the state’s economy and community development.
Giving a qualified woman the deputy governorship slot, they said, could encourage more women to seek elective office.
The women pointed to Plateau State as an example of a neighbouring state that has had female deputy governors.
They referenced former Deputy Governor Pauline Tallen and current Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo.
The group maintained that Nasarawa could create its own landmark by producing its first female deputy governor.
Appeal to Sule and APC Leaders
The women appealed directly to Governor Abdullahi Sule, APC leaders and other stakeholders to consider Bako when deciding the composition of the 2027 ticket.
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They described the proposed nomination as a potential statement of confidence in women and an opportunity to reward loyalty within the party.
Whether the proposal gains acceptance among the party leadership remains a political question, but the demand adds gender representation to the growing conversation around the composition of Nasarawa’s 2027 governorship ticket.