First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen relationships with constituents, stressing that political success is determined by numbers and public trust rather than gender.
Speaking during a meeting with APC women leaders from across the country at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, Mrs Tinubu urged politicians to remain closely connected to the people if they hope to sustain electoral victories and political relevance.
According to the First Lady, effective leadership extends beyond winning elections and requires continuous engagement with the electorate.
“Politics is not about gender; it is about numbers. If you do not connect with the grassroots, you cannot win their trust,” she said.
Drawing from her experience as a former senator, Mrs Tinubu said she maintained regular contact with her constituents through quarterly town hall meetings throughout her eight years in the Senate.
“I connect with the grassroots. I am still the only woman on record who held town hall meetings every quarter, consistently for eight years,” she stated.
She warned that many elected officials lose touch with the people after assuming office, a situation she said often weakens their political standing.
“You have to connect with the people. If I find it difficult to reach you as an office holder, how do you expect your constituents to reach you?” she queried.
The First Lady also underscored the importance of trust as a cornerstone of political organisation and electoral success.
“You have to build trust and connection. Once that is missing, you cannot win,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu further urged the APC women’s wing to adopt a more deliberate and structured approach to grassroots mobilisation, including intensified voter education and public sensitisation efforts.
She noted that political engagement requires respect and appreciation for supporters, regardless of their status.
“Politics is very sensitive. People come to our homes even when they are not invited, but when they come, we should treat them well and with dignity,” she said.
Addressing women involved in politics, the First Lady encouraged them to strike a balance between public service and family responsibilities.
“You can do both. I played politics for 12 years and still have a husband. Take care of your children and raise them well. Much of the restlessness we see in society today begins from the home. We must ensure our homes are strong,” she added.
Earlier, APC National Women Leader Mary Alile Idele praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, describing the party’s women’s wing as one of the most formidable grassroots mobilisation structures in Nigeria.
She noted that women leaders across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, local governments and wards have continued to play a critical role in the party’s electoral successes.
Idele added that the emergence of newly elected state and zonal women leaders demonstrates growing confidence in women’s leadership and further strengthens the APC’s grassroots network ahead of future elections.
The event also featured the presentation of eight buses by the First Lady to APC women leaders representing different geopolitical zones of the country.
