The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to uphold its 35% affirmative action policy for women by presenting Ndidi Eucharia Iwule as the party’s candidate for Okigwe North Federal Constituency.
In a press release signed by COSEYL president-general, Comrade Goodluck Ibem and publicity secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, the group said the party’s primary for Okigwe North revealed “overwhelming” grassroots support for Iwule, despite what it described as “scorching weather conditions” on the election day.
COSEYL said the large turnout of NDC members backing Iwule was “spontaneous” and not orchestrated, and reflected the people’s desire for “service, competence, accessibility, and commitment to welfare.”
“This is a defining moment for the NDC to prove its commitment to gender inclusion, women empowerment, and participatory democracy,” the group stated. “The party must seize this opportunity to reward merit, loyalty, competence, and popular acceptance.”
The group described Iwule as a “highly accomplished legal practitioner” with the academic, political, and grassroots credentials needed for effective representation. It argued that ignoring the organic support for her 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 align its actions 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 statement read. “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 NDC has yet to officially announce its candidate for Okigwe North ahead of the upcoming federal legislative elections. Party officials have previously stated that the 35% affirmative action for women remains part of its internal policy framework.
COSEYL said it remains “steadfast in its advocacy for justice, equity, good governance, and the promotion of credible leaders capable of delivering democratic dividends.
