The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims that the deaths of two female councillors in the state were political, describing such insinuations as unfounded and insensitive.
Two APC councillors, Oluwakemi Rufai, who represented Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, and Zainab Shotayo, the only female councillor in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area in Ilupeju, Lagos, died in the same week, less than a month after being sworn into office.
However, their deaths have sparked controversy, with some alleging that the circumstances surrounding their passing were not unconnected with Lagos politics.
Reacting to the allegations, the Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, urged the public to refrain from spreading speculation and misinformation on the matter.
Oladejo said, “It was read in the news that they were indisposed. It has nothing to do with any kind of politics. This is a surprise. Wherever that is coming from demeans humanity if it is being looked at properly.
“It is in the place of man to taste death but once, and that can come at any time. There is no sector or vocation where we don’t witness death at any time.”
The spokesperson stated that the party had prioritised the election of women to political offices across the state.
He said, “Our women folks are everywhere holding certain positions across the board in our government. There is a deliberate policy that a sizable number of seats should be allotted to women at all levels. How can anybody now insinuate that such a party will be against women?
“Our government encourages women to come on board; we are gender-friendly and sensitive. It is unfortunate if anybody is thinking in that line. It is really sad. If this is coming from certain quarters, it is inhumane.”
