First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has charged women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to focus on numbers, trust and grassroots mobilisation as the party positions itself for future elections, saying political success depends on sustained engagement with the people.
Speaking during a meeting with APC women leaders from across the country, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said politics is basically about building support at the grassroot, earning trust and staying connected to their constituents.
She said women in politics must not lose touch with the people who put them in office.
“Politics is not about gender; it’s about number.
“If you don’t connect with the grassroots, you can’t win their trust,” the First Lady said.
Senator Tinubu recalled the consistent outreach and town hall meetings she held for eight straight years as a Senator of the Federal Republic helped with grassroot engagements.
“I connect with the grassroots. I am still the only woman on record who has ever done town hall meeting every quarter. I did that consecutively for good eight years,” she said.
The First Lady of Nigeria said political office holders must go beyond winning elections and must continue to relate with their constituents even after victory. She warned that many politicians lose relevance once they assume office because they abandon the people who supported them.
“You have to connect with them. If I find it difficult to reach out to you as an office holder, how do you want your constituents to reach out to you?,” she asked
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also emphasised the role of trust in political organisation, saying supporters must feel valued and included. She said leaders should build relationships that last beyond campaigns, adding that people respond positively when they know they are remembered and respected.
“You have to build trust and connection. Once it’s not there, you can’t win,” she advised.
The First Lady told the women that political mobilisation must be deliberate and structured, especially at the grassroots.
She said the APC women’s wing should continue to strengthen their base through local engagement, voter education and sensitization.
“Politics is very, very sensitive.
“People come to our home even when we did not invite them, but when they come, we treat them well, they are not trash,” the First Lady said.
She counselled women to balance public life and family.
“You can do both. I’ve played politics for 12 good years and I still have a husband. Take care of your children, train them well.
“All this restlessness we are seeing around stems from the home. We have to make sure that our home is solid,” Senator Tinubu said.
Earlier, the APC National Women Leader, Mary Alile Idele, praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and said APC women’s wing remains one of the strongest mobilisation networks in the country.
She said women leaders across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, local governments and wards have remained central to the APC’s electoral success.
