The Women for 35% Initiative of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation has condemned the impeachment of Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi Allen, Executive Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, describing the development as a troubling setback for women’s participation in politics.
Allen, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and sworn into office on May 29, 2024, is the only female among the eight elected local government chairmen in Bayelsa State.
In a statement signed by the founder of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation and convener of the Women for 35% Initiative, Amb. AJU Elumelu, the group said it was particularly concerned by reports that Allen had allegedly faced intimidation, pressure and political harassment over her refusal to defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The organisation said it had refrained from making public comments earlier because it hoped the matter would be resolved through dialogue and respect for democratic principles.
“Unfortunately, the situation has now culminated in her impeachment,” the group said.
It also expressed concern over reports that Hon. Diepreye Rosline Yankee, who was elected as councillor and Leader of the House, had subsequently been sworn in as Acting Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area.
The Women for 35% Initiative questioned the implications of the development for democracy and women’s political participation, particularly if an elected female chairman could allegedly be pressured to abandon the party under which she won election and subsequently removed after refusing to do so.
According to the group, Allen represents one of the few women who have overcome significant barriers to attain political leadership and should therefore be allowed to exercise her mandate without intimidation or coercion.
“What happens when a woman actually wins? What happens when she refuses to be politically intimidated? What happens when she chooses to exercise her political freedom and remain with the party under which she was elected?” the organisation asked.
The group stressed that its position was not based on support for either the PDP or APC, but on the broader principle of protecting women’s participation in democratic governance.
It called on relevant authorities, democratic institutions, civil society organisations, women’s groups and democracy advocates to closely examine the situation in Sagbama and ensure that the rights and dignity of elected officials are protected.
The organisation further urged all parties involved to pursue constitutional and legal avenues to resolve the matter peacefully and transparently.
It said the campaign for 35 per cent affirmative action should go beyond merely getting women into political offices, stressing that women must also be able to remain in office, lead effectively and complete their mandates without intimidation or discrimination.
“Women must not only be given a seat at the table. They must be allowed to remain at the table,” the statement added.
The Women for 35% Initiative said it would continue to advocate for a political system in which women who win elections are respected and allowed to serve their mandates.
