Adamawa Court Judgement Against Female Candidate Unacceptable — Minister

The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, in Abuja on Saturday, picked holes in the judgement of a Federal High Court which nullified the All Progressives Congress 2023 governorship elections primary in Adamawa State.

While describing the ruling that sacked Aishatu Binani, the only female governorship candidate in Adamawa as a “kangaroo” judgement that should be rejected by well-meaning Nigerians, she also lamented the low number of female candidates contesting the 2023 general election.

The PUNCH reported that Binani was elected as the APC governorship candidate in the now-nullified primary election held in the state on May 26.

She scored 430 votes to defeat her closest rival and pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, who scored 288 votes.

Ribadu then approached the court alleging irregularities in the conduct of the primary.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Abdulaziz Anka held that the primary election was not in compliance with the 2022 Electoral Act, the nation’s constitution, and the party’s guidelines.

But Tallen in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the first Global Reunion and Annual General Meeting of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Bida Old Girls Association, said the court ruling showed the continued marginalisation of women in politics.

She added that women were not fairly treated during the primaries conducted by political parties to produce candidates for the 2023 polls.

Tallen said, “It is very worrisome. I feel like shedding tears, my heart is broken because all the political parties have not done well to women. And again, my heart beats, I am sure you heard the judgement on Adamawa that concerns the only female governorship candidate in the state. The court is declaring that the party has no candidate. This is unacceptable, it is like a kangaroo judgement but we will not give up.

“We are resilient and fully behind her. We will stand tall and strong to support any woman that has gone that far to occupy a seat that will bring meaningful development in our dear country. It is on record that what female legislators do across the country, none of their male counterparts are doing it.”

While urging stakeholders to ensure that no child was left behind without quality education, she called for robust investments in the education of the girl-child.

”I want you to know that when you educate a woman, you educate that same family, the community and the nation at large. Let us ensure that every child is educated, because our children are our future,” she said.