Respect 35% Affirmative Action, Igbo Group Tells NDC

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has called on the leadership of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) to uphold its 35 per cent affirmative action policy for women in Imo State.

COSEYL President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, made the appeal in a statement endorsing support for Barr. Ndidi Eucharia Iwule.

The group urged the NDC to present Iwule as its standard bearer for the Okigwe North Federal Constituency seat in line with the party’s stated commitment to gender inclusion.

Party officials had previously maintained that the 35 percent affirmative action policy for women remains a key internal framework guiding candidate selection.

According to COSEYL, the party’s primary election in Okigwe North recorded what it described as “overwhelming” grassroots support for Iwule, despite what it called “scorching weather conditions” on the day of the exercise.

The group further stated that the turnout of party members in support of Iwule was “spontaneous” and not orchestrated, adding that it reflected the people’s desire for “service, competence, accessibility, and commitment to welfare.”

“This is a defining moment for the NDC to prove its commitment to gender inclusion, women empowerment, and participatory democracy. The party must seize this opportunity to reward merit, loyalty, competence, and popular acceptance,” the statement read.

COSEYL described Iwule as a highly accomplished legal practitioner with the academic, political, and grassroots experience required for effective representation, warning that ignoring her growing support base would amount to disappointing the aspirations of party members in Okigwe North.

The group urged the NDC leadership to “listen attentively to the unmistakable voice of the people” and remain consistent with its publicly declared commitment to women’s political participation.

“History will remember those who stood on the side of justice, fairness, and democratic principles. The voice of the people must prevail. The mandate of the people must be respected. The time for Barr. Ndidi Eucharia Iwule is now,” it said.

COSEYL further maintained that Iwule’s emergence aligns with its advocacy for justice, equity, good governance, and credible leadership capable of delivering democratic dividends.

Meanwhile, the NDC is yet to officially announce its candidate for Okigwe North ahead of the upcoming federal legislative elections.