The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the wave of sexist jokes and coded language directed at its Anambra governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, describing the remarks as distractions from meaningful political discourse.
Earlier reports by PUNCH Online indicated that Ifemeludike drew widespread online attention after releasing a series of campaign photos and videos outlining her vision for inclusive governance and her challenge to patriarchal norms in Nigerian politics.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, the AAC criticized those who have focused on Ifemeludike’s physical appearance rather than her ideas.
“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 choices and physical features instead of the quality of her ideas,” the statement read.
The party said the public reaction reflects the deep-rooted patriarchy still prevalent in Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that rather than engaging with Ifemeludike’s policies, some critics 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 statement continued.
Citing examples, the AAC recalled Bianca Ojukwu’s treatment during her ministerial screening and the unpleasant experiences of Senator Natasha Akpoti, describing them as evidence of systemic bias against women in leadership.
According to the party, women in politics continue to face “double scrutiny” the constant need to prove their competence while conforming to society’s fluctuating standards of “acceptable femininity.”
“This isn’t just unfair,” the AAC said. “We consider it a distraction from the real issues that matter.”
The party urged Nigerians to reject sexism in all its forms and to evaluate candidates based on their competence and vision rather than their appearances.
“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 looks rather than their ability. Nigeria and indeed the world deserves better,” the AAC stated.
It further emphasized that supporting women in politics is not an act of charity but an act of democracy.
“The future we want is one where leaders are judged by their policies, not their looks; by their work ethic, not their wardrobe,” the statement added.
The AAC concluded by calling for public support for Ifemeludike in the upcoming election.
“Support the AAC in the forthcoming elections. Vote Chioma Ifemeludike for good governance beyond Soludo’s theatrics.”
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