Women affairs minister, Tallen, withdraws senatorial ambition, fails to resign

Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen says she has decided to withdraw from the Plateau South Senatorial contest and remain in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tallen said this in a statement she issued on Monday, saying she had not resigned as minister.

“With profound gratitude and great humility, I have decided to voluntarily step down from the Senatorial race sequel to the yearnings of women and other well-meaning Nigerians who see the need for a strong voice for women at the Senate having consulted widely with my family, well-wishers and supporters conscious of the role I play for women in Nigeria today.

“So, to all Nigerian women and young girls who have raised concerns as to what next, rest assured that I, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG have not submitted any resignation letter.

“And therefore, it is my decision not to go ahead with this request but carry on as the Minister of Women Affairs.

“My appointment as the Minister of Women Affairs is indicative of this progress and I cannot lose sight of this opportunity,” she said.

The minister had earlier announced that she would be vying for the Plateau South Senatorial seat in the 2023 general elections on May 8.

President Buhari had at the Federal Executive Council meeting last Wednesday directed all interested in comtesting for various elective positions in the 2023 elections to resign before Monday.

Tallen joins Labour Minister Chris Ngige in refusing to step down, backing out of their political aspirations. There are reports also that Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has pulled out of the Kebbi governorship race.