2019 presidency: Buhari begs Nigerian women to vote him for second term

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerian women to vote for him in the 2019 presidential election.

He made the call yesterday at the Women Political Aspirants’ Summit organised by National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) and the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), in Collaboration with Office of the Wife of the President.

He said: “Let me thank Nigerian women who put their confidence in me and voted for me in 2015. It is my hope that the confidence is still there; seeing this gathering. I am confident that it will remain.”

Buhari noted that women constitute more than 50 percent of voters and were, by experience, more dedicated and principled than their male counterparts.

“Women stand by candidates they believe, in all the way; so, politicians do a lot to gain their confidence,” he said.

The President used the occasion to reiterate that the challenges witnessed since 2015 had given way to dividends, which can only increase considerably and translate to better infrastructure, more jobs and more food on the tables of Nigerians.

He said: “A few months ago, I met with female parliamentarians and they raised issues concerning the passage of Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill, now, before the National Assembly, and the implementation of 35 percent affirmative action, among others. I’m fully in support of both positions because these measures will improve the representation of women in our politics.

“Let me add my voice to the call on women to contest for political offices, and effect the changes they want to see. I’m confident that women can make great leaders and move the nation forward.

“Finally, I urge all political parties to create the enabling environment for free and fair playing grounds where women can contest elective positions and participate in our political process.”