The Women for 35% Initiative of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation has condemned the impeachment of Hon. Mrs. Alice Tangi Allen, the Executive Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Allen, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and sworn in on May 29, 2024, is the only female chairman among the eight local government chairmen in Bayelsa State.

In a statement signed by the founder of the foundation and Convener of the Women for 35% Initiative, Amb. AJU Elumelu, the group expressed concern over reports that Allen was allegedly pressured to defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group said it had followed the situation quietly, hoping that dialogue and respect for democratic principles would resolve the matter.

However, it said the situation eventually led to Allen’s impeachment.

The group also expressed concern over reports that Hon. Diepreye Rosline Yankee, the councillor and Leader of the Sagbama Legislative Council, was sworn in as acting chairman.

The initiative said the development raised serious questions about political freedom, democratic rights and women’s participation in governance.

It stressed that Allen’s case was bigger than party politics, describing her as one of the few women who had broken through the barriers preventing women from occupying political leadership positions.

The group asked what message would be sent to women seeking political office if elected female leaders could allegedly face intimidation or removal for refusing to abandon the political platform on which they won elections.

“We are not supporting one political party against another. We are defending women’s participation in democracy,” the group said.

It called on relevant authorities, democratic institutions, civil society organisations and women’s groups to closely examine the situation in Sagbama and ensure that the rights of elected officials are protected.

The initiative also urged all parties involved to use constitutional and legal means to resolve the dispute peacefully and transparently.

It said the campaign for 35 per cent affirmative action was not only about getting women into political offices but also ensuring that they could remain in office, lead effectively and complete their mandates without intimidation or discrimination.

The group said Allen deserved a fair and transparent process in accordance with the law.

“Women must not only be given a seat at the table. They must be allowed to remain at the table,” it said.