Nigeria’s Electoral Commission Urges Action on Women’s Political Representation
INEC has called on political parties to implement concrete measures to increase women's candidacy and elected positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing significant disparities in current representation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a direct call for Nigerian political parties to move beyond verbal commitments and implement tangible strategies to enhance women’s participation in the political sphere. This intervention, reported by GN auto geopolitics/africa: Nigeria elections, marks a significant step ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as the commission seeks to address persistent structural barriers that limit female representation in elective offices.
During a recent engagement held in Abuja, commission officials highlighted the stark contrast between high voter participation among women and their low numbers in leadership roles. The discussion involved party leaders, civil society groups, and development partners, all tasked with identifying practical solutions to foster a more inclusive democratic process in the coming election cycle.
Persistent Gaps in Electoral Outcomes
According to Mrs. Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, Director of INEC’s Gender and Inclusivity Department, the data from the 2023 General Election reveals a significant disparity in political access. She noted that out of 15,331 candidates, only 1,556 were women, accounting for a mere 10.2 percent of the total. This low candidacy rate has resulted in minimal representation in key legislative bodies, with only three women securing Senate seats and 16 gaining positions in the House of Representatives.
High Participation Versus Low Representation
Prof. Rhoda Habor Gumus, who declared the engagement open on behalf of the INEC Chairman, emphasized that women constitute a majority of registered voters. In the 2023 election, women made up 47.5 percent of the electorate, a trend that continued during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise. Despite this robust engagement with the electoral process, Gumus pointed out that this voter enthusiasm has not translated into proportional success in winning elected positions.
The commission argues that the current gap is not due to a lack of interest from women but rather systemic obstacles within party structures. By highlighting these statistics, INEC aims to shift the narrative from passive participation to active political inclusion, urging stakeholders to recognize the potential power of the female electorate in shaping national governance.
Demand for Structural and Financial Support
INEC officials have challenged political parties to create an enabling environment that supports female aspirants at every stage of the electoral cycle. This includes ensuring equal access to campaign funding, media visibility, and grassroots mobilization networks. The commission stressed that mentoring, security, and logistical support are critical components that parties must address to facilitate meaningful participation.
The call for action underscores the need for deliberate institutional changes rather than mere declarations of support. As the 2027 elections approach, the focus is on translating these commitments into measurable outcomes, ensuring that women have the same opportunities to compete for and win office as their male counterparts.
