The First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde, has urged women across the state to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and participate actively in the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the call on Wednesday while hosting a women stakeholders’ meeting at the Office of the First Lady in Ibadan, where she also urged the women to support her husband, Governor Seyi Makinde, in his presidential bid on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Recall that Governor Makinde emerged as the APM’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election in May 2026 and has since commenced political activities ahead of the poll.
Speaking at the meeting, the First Lady said the gathering provided an opportunity for women to reconnect, listen to one another and discuss issues affecting them, their families and Oyo State.
She said women remained central to the development of families and communities, adding that their collective voice could influence the direction of society.
“Women are at the heart of every community. We raise families, build businesses, nurture our children, support our communities and, in many ways, influence the direction of society.
“That influence comes with responsibility, and we must never underestimate the power of our collective voice,” she said.
Makinde urged the women to ensure that they obtained their PVCs and exercised their franchise during the forthcoming elections.
“As we approach the election season, I encourage every one of us to be actively involved. Ensure that you collect your Permanent Voter Card and, most importantly, exercise your right to vote.
“In a special way, I call on you to support my husband, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who is contesting for president, and other candidates on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement,” she said.
The First Lady also appealed to the women to encourage their husbands, eligible children, relatives, friends and neighbours to participate in the electoral process.
She, however, urged them to conduct themselves peacefully during the electioneering period, cautioning against the spread of hatred, rumours and violence.
“Most importantly, let us not spread hatred, rumours or violence, because after the campaigns and the elections, we will still be neighbours, friends, mothers, sisters and members of the same communities,” Makinde said.
She said women should recognise the importance of their participation in the electoral process, noting that they should not only complain about developments in society but also use their votes to contribute to its direction.
Beyond politics, Makinde called on women to continue to support one another, create opportunities for themselves and speak out on issues affecting women and children.
“Let us support one another, create opportunities for one another, speak up when issues affecting women and children arise, and ensure that no woman feels that she has to face her challenges alone,” she said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Oyo State, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, commended the First Lady for convening the meeting and bringing women stakeholders together.
Sanni urged the women to reciprocate the goodwill of the First Lady and Governor Makinde with their loyalty and support, while calling on them to align with the APM.
The commissioner said the party stood for inclusion, fairness and the advancement of women and families.
She said, “It is only fitting that we reciprocate this goodwill with our loyalty and support to Governor Seyi Makinde and his wife, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Makinde.
“I therefore urge all of you here present to align with and support the APM Party, a party that stands for inclusion, fairness and the advancement of women and families.”
Sanni also urged the women to mobilise their communities and work towards sustaining the progress recorded in the state.
She encouraged participants to use the platform to engage constructively and share ideas capable of strengthening collective efforts towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
The commissioner further commended the First Lady for her commitment to the wellbeing and advancement of women across Oyo State.
Also speaking, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo, (RAD) Director of Mobilisation of the Women’s Wing of the APM 2027 Campaign Council, thanked the First Lady and the women stakeholders for attending the meeting.
Dabo also urged the women to support the APM and intensify mobilisation among women as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue.
The meeting brought together women stakeholders and leaders from across Oyo State for discussions on women’s participation in the electoral process, community mobilisation and issues affecting women and families.
Present at the event include the Head of the Civil and Public Service of Oyo State, Dr. Mrs. Adenike Fasina; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; Hon. Olufunke Comforter Olajide, representing Ibadan North Constituency I; and Hon. Bisi Oluranti Michael, representing Ogbomoso North, among others
