Stakeholders Rally Support for Women Aspirants Ahead of 2027 Elections, Demand Policy Overhaul
Stakeholders from government, political parties, civil society, development partners, and communities have issued a strong call to action, urging comprehensive support for women aspirants throughout the political process. This appeal was central to discussions at the National Convention on Women’s Roadmap to the 2027 General Elections, organized by the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with partners, held on Thursday at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja.
Urgent Call to Dismantle Structural Barriers
A communiqué released after the convention emphasized the critical need for coordinated national efforts to break down structural obstacles that restrict women’s political involvement. It advocated for inclusive policies to ensure greater representation in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Kafilat Ogbara, Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs, representing the Speaker of the House of Assembly, highlighted that the mere four percent representation of women in the House of Representatives is a national embarrassment.
Ogbara praised male allies but called for decisive actions to overcome cultural and traditional hurdles, stating that the era of token participation has ended. “The four per cent representation of women in the House of Representatives is a national embarrassment. The era of tokenism is over; what we need now is decisive and meaningful participation, while confronting the cultural and traditional barriers that have long excluded women from leadership,” she asserted.
Persistent Low Representation Since 1999
Abubakar O. Suleiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), pointed out the numerical strength and potential of Nigerian women, urging the nation to leverage this for political and social transformation. He stressed the importance of upholding the 35 percent affirmative action policy as proof of Nigeria’s dedication to inclusive democracy, describing the stagnant five percent representation of women since 1999 as appalling and unacceptable.
“Women’s representation has remained a dismal five per cent since 1999, a situation that is both appalling and unacceptable. We must begin, collectively and strategically, to increase women’s seats ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he emphasized.
Beyond Legislative Reforms: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The communiqué noted that women’s political inclusion has become a top national priority, necessitating deliberate strategies that go beyond mere legislative changes. “Legislative reforms alone are not enough; we need strong advocacy, grassroots mobilisation and deliberate engagement with political structures. Women must adopt assertive strategies to claim seats, rather than wait for opportunities to be handed to them,” it highlighted.
Key voices at the convention, including Edna D.D. Azura, National President of NCWS, and Irene Irene Awunah Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters, underscored that women are no longer peripheral figures but essential stakeholders in governance and development. They advocated for assertive involvement within political parties and enhanced grassroots mobilization.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Speakers identified several systemic issues facing women aspirants, such as:
- Cultural constraints that limit participation.
- Financial limitations that hinder campaign efforts.
- Entrenched political gatekeeping within male-dominated party structures.
Uju Ken-Ohanenye, immediate past Minister of Women Affairs, emphasized the value of strategic networking, competence, and constituency loyalty. Olorunandi Martins Chinuku highlighted the role of alliances and sustained party engagement. Participants agreed that electoral success relies on structured planning, voter mapping, and consistent grassroots presence.
Key Recommendations and Future Actions
Mentorship and resource-sharing were deemed vital to bridge financial and logistical gaps that often prevent capable women from running for office. The convention also stressed the importance of capacity building, including training in:
- Campaign management.
- Electoral processes.
- Political financing.
- Public communication.
Grassroots engagement was noted as crucial for building trust and legitimacy among voters. On ethical leadership, speakers called for courage, integrity, and service-driven governance, urging women to address injustice and prioritize societal impact over personal gain.
The communiqué further advocated for cross-party solidarity among women, encouraging collaboration beyond political affiliations to strengthen collective influence and maintain political structures across election cycles. Key recommendations included:
- Strengthened advocacy for reserved seats to ensure at least 30 percent representation for women in national and state assemblies.
- Enhanced mentorship and resource mobilization.
- Sustained grassroots political structures.
The convention concluded with a collective pledge by participants to turn commitments into actionable steps, aiming for measurable progress in women’s political representation and leadership in Nigeria by 2027.
