The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims linking the deaths of two female councillors in the state to political intrigues, describing such insinuations as baseless and insensitive.
The deceased councillors are 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, Ilupeju. Both women died within the same week, less than a month after assuming office, sparking public speculation about possible political undertones.
Reacting to the claims, the Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, cautioned against politicising the deaths.
He said: “It was reported that they were indisposed. Their deaths had nothing to do with politics. Wherever such insinuations are coming from demeans humanity if properly considered. Death is inevitable, and it can occur at any time, in any profession or sector.”
Oladejo stressed that the APC in Lagos has consistently promoted women’s participation in governance, making deliberate efforts to ensure inclusivity in political representation.
“Our women occupy key positions at various levels of government. There is a deliberate policy to allocate a substantial number of seats to women across the board. How then can anyone allege that a party with such policies is against women?” he asked.
He further reiterated the party’s commitment to advancing gender inclusiveness in politics, adding that attempts to interpret the councillors’ deaths as politically motivated were both unfair and inhumane.
