The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced that 50 per cent of its National and State Assembly tickets for the 2027 general elections will be allocated to women as part of efforts to enhance female participation in governance.
The decision was unveiled during the party’s primary elections held at its secretariat in Osogbo on Saturday, where candidates for National Assembly and State Assembly positions were affirmed by delegates.
Speaking at the event, the Osun NNPP Chairman, Tosin Odeyemi, said the party was committed to empowering women and increasing their representation in leadership positions. He described women as courageous, capable, and instrumental in political mobilisation and national development.
According to Odeyemi, the party’s decision to reserve half of its legislative tickets for women reflects its recognition of their contributions and potential in public service.
“Osun NNPP is fully prepared for the general elections. Nigerians are tired of ‘promise and fail’ parties that have ruled in the past. We recognise the strength of our women,” he said.
“That is why the party is giving them 50 per cent of our National Assembly and State Assembly tickets in the 2027 polls.”
The chairman also disclosed that the party was intensifying preparations for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, assuring that women would occupy strategic positions in government if the NNPP wins power.
“We are also working hard to further improve our chances in the 2026 governorship poll. If Osun voters support us to victory, women will serve in critical offices in our administration,” he said.
Odeyemi further pledged support for women entrepreneurs, stating that an NNPP-led government would create opportunities and policies that encourage women’s economic advancement.
He urged the party’s candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns, avoid personal attacks, and make realistic promises to voters.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, the NNPP candidate for Osun West Senatorial District, Folasayo Makinde, called on women across the state to become more actively involved in politics and seek leadership positions.
Makinde noted that women often play key roles during election campaigns but are frequently sidelined after political victories are secured.
“Men make use of us more during campaigns; they believe in our ability and capacity to gather votes for them, but when they get into power, they neglect us,” she said.
She commended the party leadership for creating opportunities for women to contest elective positions and expressed confidence in the ability of women to contribute meaningfully to governance.
Makinde also appealed to voters, particularly women in Osun West Senatorial District, to support her candidacy, assuring them of quality representation if elected.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present at the primary election, where the party formally affirmed its candidates as flag bearers for the forthcoming polls.
