“We don’t ‘Akpabio’ women in our party,” AAC condemns sexist attacks on Anambra gubernatorial candidate
Abdullateef Fowewe
The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned the sexist scrutiny faced by its Anambra governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, emphasising that judging her by appearance rather than ideas undermines democratic values.
In a statement signed by the party National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye on Wednesday, the party’s National Working Committee criticises the focus on Chioma’s outfit and physical features, stating, “We are not surprised by the unleashing of these backward ideas as we know that they are what the society has allowed over the years and crushing these ideas is the reason our party was established.”
Highlighting ongoing patriarchy in Nigerian politics, the AAC expressed frustration: “Instead of engaging with her plans for governance, some people have chosen to police her looks.”
The party referenced instances of sexism in the National Assembly, noting, “Unlike your conventional parties, we don’t ‘Akpabio’ women in our party.”
The AAC stressed the unfair double standard for women in politics stressing, “When we reduce a female candidate to her body or her clothing, we silence her vision and reinforce the message that women’s worth is tied to their physical appearance, not ability.”
AAC in the statement thereby urged voters to focus on policies over appearance: “The future we want is one where leaders are judged by their policies, not their looks; their work ethic, not their wardrobe.”
Omoyele Sowore, AAC founder, also weighed in on social media, calling the disparagement of Chioma Ifemeludike “profoundly disappointing” and praising her as “an exemplary young woman whose groundbreaking ideas and remarkable intelligence they cannot equal.”
He concluded, “Vote Chioma for Governor of Anambra State!”
The AAC urged the public to reject sexist mockery and support Chioma Ifemeludike in the upcoming Anambra governorship election for good governance beyond political theatrics.
Ifemeludike has stirred mixed reactions online after sharing her campaign photos, which many Nigerians described as “too glamorous for politics.”
Accompanying the photos with captions, Ifemeludike wrote on X, “I am the flag bearer of the African Action Congress and I’m proud to say that I’m the best candidate in the November 8 Anambra gubernatorial election. The lighthouse is about to be lit. #ChiomaForGovernor2025 #CourageForChange.”
While some users applauded her boldness and detailed manifesto, others criticized the tone and imagery of her campaign photos.
“I like her courage, but the back shot isn’t necessary. We must present ourselves as serious contenders,” @SurvIsaacO commented.
@Morris Monye wrote, “Women have found out that the easiest way to get attention and views here is to go raunchy.”
@Sir David Onyemaizu queried, “Is your yansh the manifesto & plans you have for Anambra State?”
