Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has announced that 50 per cent of its National and State Assembly tickets for the 2027 general elections will be allocated to women, as part of efforts to promote greater female participation in governance.

The declaration was made during the party’s primary elections held at its secretariat in Osogbo on Saturday, where candidates for National Assembly and State Assembly positions were unveiled and affirmed by delegates.

Speaking at the event, the Osun NNPP Chairman, Tosin Odeyemi, said women should be encouraged to play more prominent roles in public service, describing them as courageous, capable and strong enough to deliver when entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

Odeyemi stated that the party recognised the vital role women play in mobilising political support and contributing to national development, adding that this informed the decision to reserve half of its legislative tickets for female candidates.

“Osun NNPP is fully prepared for the general elections. Nigerians are tired of ‘promise and fail’ parties that have ruled in the past. We recognise the strength of our women,” he said.

He added, “That is why the party is giving them 50 per cent of our National Assembly and State Assembly tickets in the 2027 polls.”

The party chairman also said the NNPP was intensifying preparations for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State and promised greater inclusion of women in governance if the party emerged victorious.

“We are also working hard to further improve our chances in the 2026 governorship poll. If Osun voters support us to victory, women will serve in critical offices in our administration,” Odeyemi said.

He pledged support for women engaged in private enterprise, noting that they would receive attention from the government under an NNPP-led administration.

“Those in private businesses will also receive due attention from the government. We believe strongly in the capacity of our women,” he added.

Odeyemi urged the party’s candidates to conduct their campaigns responsibly, advising them to avoid personal attacks and focus on issues affecting the electorate.

He said aspirants should engage in issue-based campaigns and make only promises that they could fulfil if elected into office.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, the NNPP candidate for Osun West Senatorial District, Folasayo Makinde, called on women across the state to participate actively in politics and pursue leadership positions with determination.

Makinde said women often played significant roles during election campaigns but were frequently overlooked after political victories had been secured.

“Men make use of us more during campaigns; they believe in our ability and capacity to gather votes for them, but when they get into power, they neglect us,” she said.

She commended the party leadership for creating opportunities for women to contest elective offices and expressed confidence in the ability of women to contribute meaningfully to governance. 

She appealed to voters, particularly women in Osun West Senatorial District, to support her candidacy, assuring them that she would not disappoint if elected. 

Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, were present at the primary election, where the party’s candidates were formally affirmed as its flag bearers for the forthcoming polls.