Nigeria Advocates Reserved Seats for Women Ahead of 2027

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations has issued a formal call for reserved seats for women in political institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group argues that current systemic barriers prevent qualified women from competing effectively, regardless of their personal capabilities or track records in other sectors.

The advocacy effort, coordinated by Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) and partners including the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, was presented at a press conference in Abuja. According to the organizers, the focus must shift from merely encouraging participation to dismantling the structural impediments that limit women’s visibility and influence in decision-making roles.

Financial Barriers Limit Competitive Reach

Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, Executive Director of GSAI, identified the rising cost of political participation as a primary obstacle. She noted that nomination fees, campaign logistics, and media expenses create an environment where financial capacity often determines electoral success.

Sydney-Jack explained that women candidates frequently face limited access to traditional sources of political financing and established networks. This disparity, she said, prevents many qualified individuals from reaching competitive stages of the electoral process, effectively narrowing the pool of viable candidates.

Media Coverage Shapes Public Perception

The coalition also highlighted the role of media in shaping political credibility. Sydney-Jack observed that women candidates often receive fewer headline appearances and less policy-focused analysis compared to their male counterparts. Coverage frequently emphasizes identity over leadership competence, which can undermine public perception of their qualifications.

In response, the group urged media organizations to adopt gender-responsive journalism practices. They called for consistent, evidence-based profiling of women as political actors with distinct policy positions and governance records, rather than treating them as a distinct category of candidates.

Structural Reforms Proposed for Inclusion

Awal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, attributed persistent underrepresentation to a combination of violence, money politics, and patriarchal structures. He emphasized that these institutionalized barriers require deliberate legislative intervention to be resolved.

The organizations are advocating for reserved seats as part of broader electoral reforms. They argue that such measures are necessary to ensure that Nigeria’s political institutions reflect the demographic reality of its population, where women constitute nearly half of the electorate.