Anambra poll: AAC kicks as campaign photos spark ‘sexist’ remarks about candidate

Chioma

The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned what it describes as sexist jokes and coded language targeting Chioma Ifemeludike, its governorship candidate in the forthcoming Anambra state election.

Ifemeludike and other candidates, including Chukwuma Soludo, the incumbent governor of the state, who is seeking re-election, will test their popularity at the poll on November 8.However, the AAC candidate has faced a wave of reactions on social media since she posted pictures announcing her candidacy for the election.In a statement on Wednesday, Femi Adeyeye, the party’s national publicity secretary, said the national working committee (NWC) observed that Ifemeludike is being judged more for her appearance and outfit choices than the substance of her ideas.

Adeyeye said the focus on Ifemeludike’s looks exposes the deep-rooted patriarchy that still shapes Nigeria’s political culture.

“Instead of engaging with her governance plans, some have chosen to police her appearance,” he said, condemning the sexist jokes and noted they are not surprising given the broader societal context.He cited examples of sexism in Nigeria’s political institutions, including the treatment of Bianca Ojukwu during her ministerial confirmation and Nigerian senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s experiences.

“Reducing a female candidate to her body or clothing silences her vision and reinforces the idea that women’s worth is tied to appearance, not ability,” he said. Thecable