OSU Women Petition Keyamo Over Alleged Bias, Demand Direct Primaries

By Akpovoke Otiti

Warri – A coalition of women under the banner of the Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie (OSU) Progressive Women Forum has formally petitioned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, over what they described as a biased and exclusionary consensus process within the party’s federal constituency structure, which they controversially labeled “Magu-magu.”

The group, which staged a protest to register its grievances, accused key actors of sidelining women from critical consultations leading to the emergence of a consensus candidate. They argued that the constitutionally recognized 35% inclusion benchmark for women in party affairs was ignored, describing the process as one marred by intimidation and deliberate exclusion of female stakeholders.

Citing reports carried by Ajaziral Report Newspaper and video footage aired on DBS Warri , the women noted the conspicuous absence of female representation in meetings and materials presented to justify the consensus arrangement.

They further alleged that a pressure group, rather than duly recognized party organs, convened to handpick a candidate without involving legitimate stakeholders or any women in the decision making process.

According to the forum, the arrangement appears designed to edge out aspirants who had already purchased nomination forms and were preparing for primaries.

Speaking on behalf of the group, coordinator Mrs. Angela Oseahweke stressed that no individual or select group has the authority to impose a consensus candidate without broad based consultation across stakeholders, aspirants, and party members.

She also warned that any consensus lacking collective agreement risks deepening internal divisions and could trigger factional crises if party constitutional provisions and electoral laws are disregarded.

The forum reiterated in strong preference for direct primaries nationwide, describing it as the most transparent and democratic method for candidate selection.

The women maintained that while top ranking leaders such as a sitting governor or the President may command natural consensus, all other aspirants, from the senate, House of Reps, and House of Assembly should emerge through a credible and competitive process.

While criticizing the unhealthy method used, as they termed the substitution of genuine party structures with pressure groups in critical decisions.
In strongly worded remarks, the group cautioned Minister Keyamo against invoking the names of the President or the party’s national leadership in ways that could fuel confusion, division, or mistrust among grassroots members, warning that such actions could precipitate a wider party crisis.

Calling on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to urgently intervene, the protesters emphasized that the party’s credibility and electoral prospects depend heavily on inclusiveness, transparency, and respect for women’s participation.

They also questioned the absence of women in widely circulated images and videos purportedly showing support for the consensus arrangement.

The protest ended with chants of “No Woman, No Politics!” as the group vowed to resist any process they deem unjust or exclusionary.

Signatories to the Petition:

Madam Esther
Okonoyamor

Hon. Josephine Adarighofua

Odis Merit

Gloria Oborevwori

Onome Onose

Otis Beauty

Ohwonado Vero

Tracy Momoh

Emesiri Destiny

Rosemary Arobomen

Ese Agbajikele

Gloria Ewomazino

Mabel Akalusi

Abike Olowogbemi

Chiaju Martha

Enaturu Alice

Onajomo Rhoda

Ejembi Eyekomiogban

Rachael Lucky

Amayo Ese

Koko Omuwarure

Mary
Jane Ebiwe

Rebecca Iguele

Endurance Bessie

Ofughara Gloria
Edoja