It also warned that the consequences of adopting a ‘Unity List’ during the forthcoming PDP national convention, at the expense of the provisions of Section 6 (7) of the party’s constitution, which states that ‘in the nomination for party offices, not less than 35 percent shall be reserved for women, were better imagined than experienced.

The group alleged that the party was trying to scheme women out during its convention scheduled to hold on October 30-31, 2021 by foisting a consensus arrangement skewed in favor of men to distribute party positions.

This, they noted, was despite the 35 percent affirmative action enshrined in the party’s constitution.

The President of WIPF, Ebere Ifendu said it was appalling that despite its constitutional provisions the male-dominated party leadership has proceeded to endorse men for the various positions under the guise of consensus.

She declared the group’s support for the ambition of a former Minister of Women Affairs, Inna Ciroma, who is contesting for the position of Deputy National Chairman (North).

Ifendu said as a demonstration of this commitment, members paid for and obtained the forms for the contest for the aspirant.

She also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to include a provision that will protect the rights of women as it proposes amendments to electoral laws.

The WIPF President said, “Sadly, parties most times do not respect their constitution and this is without any form of sanction either from the INEC, the body with the mandate to register and deregister political parties or by members of the party boycotting activities of the party.

“For us, we are going to use PDP as an example. We will seek redress in court and others would know that it is no longer right for any party to work against Nigerian women”.

Ifendu further said, “The WIPF wishes to bring to the attention of the leadership of the PDP that it’s handling of this issue will make or mar the confidence which the female demographic presently reposes in the PDP. The entire world is watching and looking to see what PDP will do.

“The provisions of the PDP constitution are sacrosanct and unique in this respect. Should PDP think of ignoring this provision, as a coalition of women politicians, we believe it is time to test that provision along with those of section 6(5) and section 33 (2) that says the national convention is only supreme within the limits proscribed in the constitution?

In the same vein, she said the organization would explore a judicial interpretation of relevant constitutional provisions as a means of securing the rights of its members who belong to the PDP.

“We are already in Court with over a hundred women’s groups with Nigeria Women Trust Fund leading in this regard, with the Federal Government on the enforcement of the Nigeria Gender Policy. We will not hesitate to use the Courts to ensure PDP and all other political parties respect their legal documents.

“We are, however, confident that the Convention Committee will exercise its powers to ensure that justice is done to avoid legal and other sanctions by Nigerian Women against the PDP,” she said.