Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has encouraged women aspiring to political office to pursue higher education and strengthen their capacity, noting that academic qualifications and competence remain key to effective leadership.
She made the call on Monday during a meeting with state and zonal women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
While acknowledging that the constitution only requires a minimum of a school certificate for elective positions, the First Lady stressed that women should aim higher academically in order to better equip themselves for governance responsibilities.
“In reality, the minimum requirement is a school certificate, but it is far better to be well educated,” she said, adding that education enhances leadership effectiveness and decision-making.
Mrs Tinubu also advised women politicians to strengthen their presence at the grassroots level by maintaining close contact with their communities, noting that many politicians neglect this crucial aspect of political life.
She referenced her own political experience, recalling her three-term tenure in the Senate, and emphasized the importance of consistency, visibility, and sustained engagement with constituents.
According to her, successful politics is driven by structure, numbers, and trust-building rather than gender considerations. She also highlighted her practice of regular town hall meetings and consistent constituency engagement over several years.
The First Lady expressed concern over what she described as a disconnect between some women elected into office and the people who supported their rise, urging continuous mentorship and accountability.
She further stressed that political leadership should be reflected in service and hospitality, noting that public office holders must treat citizens with dignity and care.
Addressing the APC women leaders, she also called on state governors to support women’s political structures by providing transportation, announcing plans to distribute buses to zonal women’s groups through donated funding.
On national development, Mrs Tinubu linked ongoing infrastructure projects such as road and rail expansion to efforts aimed at reducing transportation costs and easing economic hardship for Nigerians.
She also urged women to balance political ambition with strong family values, stating that effective leadership should not come at the expense of raising responsible children and maintaining stable homes.
Earlier, APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile, announced the inclusion of 17 newly elected state women leaders and four zonal leaders into the party’s national women’s structure, describing it as evidence of growing female participation in the party.
She further noted that the APC Women’s Wing remains a major force in grassroots mobilisation across Nigeria, with active structures in all states, local government areas, and polling units.
Alile also introduced a new mobilisation platform known as the Tinubu Torchbearers, designed to strengthen engagement between citizens and the government ahead of future elections.
She described the initiative as a tool for advocacy, mobilisation, and political awareness as the party prepares for upcoming electoral activities.