The African Action Congress has condemned sexist jokes and coded language directed at its governorship candidate in the upcoming Anambra elections, Chioma Ifemeludike, describing such attacks as a distraction from substantive political discourse.
It was reported that Ifemeludike was gaining significant attention online after sharing a series of campaign photos and videos that spotlight her message of inclusive governance and challenge long-held patriarchal beliefs in politics.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the AAC, Femi Adeyeye, on Wednesday, the party said, “The National Working Committee of our great party has observed in the last 24 hours how our candidate, a vibrant and ideologically clear woman, is being judged by her outfit choice and physical features, rather than the quality of her ideas.”
The statement highlighted the deep-rooted patriarchy in Nigerian politics, noting that instead of engaging with Ifemeludike’s governance plans, 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,” the party said.
It cited the experiences of Bianca Ojukwu during her ministerial confirmation and Senator Natasha Akpoti’s unpleasant treatment as examples.
The AAC emphasised that women in politics face double scrutiny, having to prove their competence while also meeting society’s shifting expectations of “acceptable” femininity.
“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,” it said.
The party also warned against reducing female candidates to appearances, urging voters to focus on ideas and competence:
“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,” it added.
The AAC concluded by urging voters to support its candidate in the forthcoming elections, saying, “Support the AAC in the forthcoming elections. Vote for Chioma Ifemeludike for good governance beyond Soludo’s theatrics.”
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