A South-East socio-political group, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has called on the leadership of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) to uphold its 35 per cent affirmative action policy for women in Imo State.
COSEYL President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, made the call in a statement canvassing support for Ms Ndidi Iwule.
The group urged the NDC to present Iwule as its standard-bearer for the Okigwe North Federal Constituency seat, in line with its commitment to gender inclusion and affirmative action.
According to COSEYL, NDC officials have consistently maintained that the party’s 35 per cent affirmative action policy for women remains a key component of its internal framework.
The group stated that the party’s primary election for Okigwe North demonstrated overwhelming grassroots support for Iwule despite what it described as the scorching weather conditions on the day of the exercise.
COSEYL further noted that the large turnout of NDC members in support of Iwule was spontaneous rather than orchestrated and reflected the people’s desire for service, competence, accessibility and commitment to public welfare.
The statement read: “This is a defining moment for the NDC to prove its commitment to gender inclusion, women empowerment and participatory democracy. The party must seize this opportunity to reward merit, loyalty, competence and popular acceptance.”
According to the group, Iwule is a highly accomplished legal practitioner with the academic, political and grassroots credentials required for effective representation. It added that ignoring the organic support she enjoys would amount to disappointing the aspirations of NDC members in Okigwe North.
COSEYL urged the NDC leadership to “listen attentively to the unmistakable voice of the people” and ensure that its actions align with its publicly declared commitment to women’s political participation.
“History will remember those who stood on the side of justice, fairness and democratic principles. The voice of the people must prevail. The mandate of the people must be respected. The time for Barr. Ndidi Eucharia Iwule is now,” the statement added.
The group further stated that its support for Iwule is consistent with its longstanding advocacy for justice, equity, good governance and the promotion of credible leaders capable of delivering democratic dividends.
Meanwhile, the NDC has yet to officially announce its candidate for the Okigwe North Federal Constituency ahead of the forthcoming federal legislative elections.
