RHFAN Urges Support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Seeks 35% Affirmative Action for Women in Nigerian Politics
The Renewed Hope Female Aspirants Network (RHFAN) has issued a strong appeal to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the establishment of robust mechanisms to promote gender equality in the political arena. The group emphasizes the need to expand electoral opportunities for female aspirants while providing essential capacity development and funding support for women engaged in politics.
Advocacy for Inclusive Governance
As part of its ongoing efforts to advance women's representation in Nigerian politics, RHFAN is actively advocating for the implementation of a 35% affirmative action policy in political appointments across all levels of government. This initiative aims to address the historical underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions, which the group argues hampers national development.
World Press Briefing in Abuja
RHFAN organized a significant world press briefing in Abuja on Monday, themed “From Aspiration to Representation: A Renewed Hope for Inclusive Political Participation.” The event served as a platform to articulate the network's vision and demands, drawing attention to the critical role of women in governance.
Leadership Perspectives
In her combined welcome address, the National Coordinator of RHFAN, Hon. Tonbra Sebrina Ekiotenne, articulated that increased female participation in decision-making leads to more inclusive governance, responsive policies, and sustainable national development. She stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve its full potential while half of its population remains underrepresented in governance structures.
Ekiotenne called on political parties, government institutions, and all relevant stakeholders to move beyond mere rhetoric and commit to measurable inclusion of women in both elective and appointive positions. “As women, we are not just beneficiaries of this vision—we are key drivers of it. At RHFAN, we are committed to identifying, supporting, and empowering women across Nigeria to take their rightful place in leadership,” she declared.
Keynote Address and Demands
The keynote speaker and National Spokesperson of RHFAN, Dr. Judith Etuk Ogbara, emphasized the necessity for deliberate inclusion of women in decision-making positions. She noted that the group aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which prioritizes national development and democratic consolidation.
RHFAN's key demands include:
- Increased political appointments for women at all government levels.
- Stronger support for female candidates contesting elective positions.
- Broader inclusion of women across all sectors of society.
- Structured capacity-building initiatives for female aspirants.
- Sustainable funding support to empower women in politics.
Fostering Optimism and Collaboration
Dr. Ogbara highlighted that RHFAN's initiatives are already fostering optimism for a more inclusive democracy. According to her, the network is actively mobilizing, mentoring, and supporting women across Nigeria's geopolitical zones, creating a grassroots movement for change.
While acknowledging what she described as a positive response from the government, she stressed the need for concrete actions, including policy reforms and institutional support systems that will enable more women to participate meaningfully in politics. She further noted that RHFAN remains committed to collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to build a more inclusive political landscape—one where women play central roles in shaping Nigeria's future.
Signed by Hon. Fatima Hamman, National Director of Youth Mobilization & Media, RHFAN, on March 31, 2026.
