AAC Condemns Sexist Attacks on Anambra Governorship Candidate Chioma Ifemeludike, Calls for Focus on Issues, Not Appearance

…says We Don’t “Akpabio” Women in Our Party

The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned what it described as a wave of sexist remarks and coded language directed at its candidate in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, the National Working Committee (NWC) expressed dismay over the focus on Ifemeludike’s outfit choices and physical appearance rather than her competence, leadership ideas, and ideological clarity.

The party described such behavior as a reflection of the deeply entrenched patriarchy that continues to shape Nigeria’s political culture.

“The conversation around Comrade Chioma’s appearance exposes how deeply patriarchy still influences our political environment. Instead of engaging her governance plans, some have chosen to police her looks,” the statement read.

Adeyeye noted that such sexist attitudes are not new in Nigerian politics, recalling previous incidents involving prominent female figures, including Bianca Ojukwu’s appearance before the Senate for ministerial confirmation and the derogatory treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti.

“The sexist jokes remain condemned but are not surprising because even the National Assembly, a supposed model of national representation has become a house of sexist jokes. Unlike your conventional parties, we don’t ‘Akpabio’ women in our party,” the AAC spokesperson stated.

He stressed that women in politics often face double standards, having to constantly prove their competence while also navigating societal expectations about their femininity and appearance.

According to the AAC, this form of prejudice does not only demean women but distracts the public from the real governance issues that affect citizens.

“When we reduce a female candidate to her body or clothing, we silence her vision and reinforce the message that a woman’s worth is tied to her physical appearance, not her ability,” Adeyeye emphasized.

The statement called on voters to reject sexism in all forms and focus on the substance of governance, urging Anambra citizens to support Ifemeludike as a symbol of issue-based, value-driven leadership.

“The future we want is one where leaders are judged by their policies, not their looks; their work ethic, not their wardrobe. Supporting women in politics isn’t charity, it’s democracy in its truest form,” the statement concluded.

The AAC also reiterated its commitment to gender equality, adding that its platform remains a safe space for women to thrive without fear of objectification or discrimination.

The party urged Anambra voters to rally behind Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike and the AAC as champions of good governance and a progressive alternative beyond “Soludo’s theatrics.”

THE STATEMENT…👇🏽

#AnambraDecides: WE CONDEMN SEXIST JOKES AND CODED LANGUAGE TOWARDS OUR CANDIDATE.

WE DON’T “AKPABIO” WOMEN IN THE AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC).

The National Working Committee of our great party has observed in the last 24 hours, how our candidate in the forthcoming Anambra governorship elections, Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike, a vibrant and ideologically-clear woman is being judged by her outfit choice and physical features, rather than the quality of her ideas.

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.

The conversation around Comrade Chioma‘s appearance exposes how deeply patriarchy still shapes our political culture.

Instead of engaging with her plans for governance, some people have chosen to police her looks. The sexist jokes remain condemned but are not surprising because even the National Assembly; a supposed model of national representation has become a house of sexist jokes. Examples of such show of shame are when Bianca Ojukwu appeared before the Senate for confirmation as Minister and the unpleasant treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti. Unlike your conventional parties, we don’t “Akpabio” women in our party.

It is an unfortunate fact that women in politics face double the scrutiny: they must prove their competence while also meeting society’s constantly shifting expectations of “acceptable” femininity and womanhood.

This isn’t just unfair. We consider it a distraction from the real issues that matter.

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.

Nigeria, and indeed the world –deserves better.

Voters must reject the sexist jokes, the mockery, and the coded language that aim to shrink women out of political spaces. The future we want is one where leaders are judged by their policies, not their looks; their work ethic, not their wardrobe. Supporting women in politics isn’t charity, it’s democracy in its truest form.

Support the AAC in the forthcoming elections. Vote for Chioma Ifemeludike for good governance beyond Soludo’s theatrics.

Signed:

Femi Adey eye,

National Publicity Secretary

African Action Congress