Northern Women’s Group Urges APC to Uphold Dankaka’s Kwara South Senate Mandate
By Matthew Eloyi
A prominent Northern women’s socio-political organisation, Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa (JMA), has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to protect and uphold the senatorial mandate of Dr. Muheebah Dankaka in Kwara South Senatorial District.
In a letter dated May 24, 2026, and addressed to the APC National Chairman through the party’s National Secretary, the group described any attempt to undermine Dankaka’s emergence as the APC senatorial candidate as unjust and detrimental to women’s political inclusion in Northern Nigeria.
The letter, signed by the National President of JMA, Hajiya Rabi Musa Saulawa, stated that Dr. Dankaka emerged victorious in the APC primaries with a “convincing and overwhelming margin,” reflecting the will of party members and constituents in Kwara South.
JMA noted that out of Nigeria’s 109 senatorial seats, only three women reportedly emerged as APC senatorial candidates nationwide after the party primaries, while Dr. Dankaka was said to be the only female candidate from the entire Northern region.
According to the organisation, Dankaka’s emergence represents a major milestone for women seeking greater political participation and inclusion in governance.
“Her emergence has brought renewed hope to Northern mothers, young women, and communities that have long yearned for visible female leadership from the region,” the letter stated.
The group emphasised its longstanding relationship with the APC, noting that its members across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory had consistently mobilized support for the party during elections.
JMA warned that any move to substitute or alter Dankaka’s candidacy could weaken the bond between the APC and Northern women, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“At this critical period leading to 2027, such a development would send an unfortunate signal that could weaken the strong bond between the APC and Northern women,” the letter added.
The organisation also urged the APC leadership to adopt deliberate policies aimed at promoting more Northern women into elective and appointed positions, describing female inclusion as vital to strengthening the party’s image as a progressive and inclusive platform.
The group expressed confidence in the APC National Working Committee to act fairly and uphold what it described as the freely given mandate of Dr. Dankaka.