Key Points
- Stakeholders call for urgent, coordinated action to boost women’s political representation ahead of 2027.
- Nigeria’s persistently low female representation—about 4–5%—described as unacceptable.
- Emphasis shifts from rhetoric to strategy: grassroots mobilisation, funding, mentorship and policy reforms.
Main story
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, a growing coalition of stakeholders is intensifying calls for a fundamental shift in how women participate in politics—moving from symbolic inclusion to real power.
At the National Convention on Women’s Roadmap to the 2027 General Elections, convened by the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) in partnership with key institutions at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), participants outlined an ambitious agenda to dismantle long-standing barriers limiting women’s access to leadership.
The gathering brought together actors across government, political parties, civil society and development organisations, all united by a common concern: Nigeria’s persistently low representation of women in governance.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the convention, stakeholders stressed that without deliberate, coordinated national action, progress towards inclusive governance would remain stalled.
THE ISSUES
Despite decades of advocacy, women’s political representation in Nigeria has remained alarmingly low, hovering between four and five per cent since 1999—far below the 35 per cent affirmative action target.
Observers at the convention identified deep-rooted structural challenges, including cultural and traditional norms, financial constraints, and entrenched gatekeeping within male-dominated political party systems.
Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, described the situation as a “national embarrassment,” noting that women currently occupy only about four per cent of seats in the House of Representatives.
Beyond numbers, stakeholders warned that limited female representation weakens policy outcomes, particularly in areas affecting women and vulnerable populations.
What’s being said
Speakers at the convention were unanimous in their call for a transition from passive advocacy to assertive political engagement.
Director-General of NILDS, Abubakar O. Suleiman, emphasised the untapped political strength of Nigerian women, describing their underrepresentation as both “appalling and unacceptable.”
“We must begin, collectively and strategically, to increase women’s seats ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Leaders including NCWS President, Edna D.D. Azura, and League of Women Voters President, Irene Awunah Ikyegh, reinforced the message that women are no longer peripheral players but central actors in governance and development.
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ken-Ohanenye, highlighted the importance of strategic networking, competence and constituency loyalty, while political strategist Olorunandi Martins Chinuku underscored the need for sustained engagement within party structures.
Participants also stressed that electoral success requires more than ambition—it demands structured planning, voter mapping, effective communication and consistent grassroots presence.
What’s next
Stakeholders are pushing for a multi-pronged strategy ahead of 2027, including stronger advocacy for reserved seats to guarantee at least 30 per cent representation for women in legislative bodies.
There are also calls for expanded capacity-building programmes covering campaign management, political financing and media engagement, alongside mentorship networks to support emerging female leaders.
Equally critical is the need for cross-party collaboration among women, aimed at building enduring political structures that transcend election cycles.
Participants pledged to translate commitments into measurable outcomes, signalling a shift from dialogue to action.
Bottom line
With Nigeria’s democracy at a critical juncture, stakeholders say the push for greater women’s political participation is no longer optional but essential—arguing that without inclusive leadership, sustainable development and equitable governance will remain out of reach.
