Lagos Female Aspirant Cries Foul, Appeals to First Lady Over Alleged Political Intimidation

Bamigbade Rafiat Temitope, a councilorship aspirant for Obalende Ward B in Lagos State, has raised alarm over what she describes as a “fundamentally undemocratic and unconstitutional” attempt to edge her out of the local government election process.

In a heartfelt open letter dated May 1, 2025, Temitope called on the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene and safeguard the integrity of the political process and the inclusion of women in grassroots leadership.

Temitope, the only female among the aspirants for the ward councilorship position, accused the current ward chairman—who had initially endorsed and screened all aspirants—of making a last-minute entry into the race and coercing others to step down.

“We have been asked to abandon our ambitions—ambitions we nurtured in good faith and invested in fully—just to make way for him,” she wrote. “This abrupt turnaround is not only unjust but fundamentally undemocratic and unconstitutional.

”The incident underscores growing concerns about the inclusivity of Nigeria’s political space, particularly at the grassroots level where many emerging leaders begin their public service careers. It also comes at a time when national discourse is increasingly focused on empowering women in politics, a cause championed by Senator Tinubu herself.

“As the only female among the aspirants, this situation feels even more disheartening,” Temitope continued. “Obalende Ward B has never had a female contestant for this position, and now that one woman dares to aspire, she is being intimidated and sidelined.”

Her appeal to the First Lady references Tinubu’s long-standing advocacy for women’s rights and political participation.

Known for her influential work both as a senator and as Nigeria’s First Lady, Tinubu has been vocal about dismantling barriers facing women in governance.

“I am appealing to you—both as a trailblazer for women in leadership and as a mother with a heart for justice—to kindly intervene in this matter,” Temitope pleaded.

Political analysts say the case could serve as a litmus test for how Nigeria’s ruling elite responds to alleged abuses of power at the local level and how committed the administration remains to its stated goal of promoting women in leadership.

As of press time, neither the ward chairman nor the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Lagos had publicly responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, Temitope remains hopeful that her call for justice will resonate at the highest levels.“Your voice and your influence,” she told the First Lady, “can help ensure that the process remains fair and inclusive.”

This developing situation is likely to draw broader national attention as Lagos State prepares for local government elections and debates over internal party democracy continue to unfold.