-
Women Themselves Make It Hard For Women To Win Elections – Akpabio.
-
He calls for constitutional reforms to boost gender inclusion in politics.
-
EU delegation visits Nigeria to strengthen democracy and regional cooperation.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that one of the biggest challenges facing women in Nigerian politics is the lack of support from other women during elections.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the European Union Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by David McAllister, at the National Assembly in Abuja, Akpabio said the persistent gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political representation remains a major concern.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Trump Pushes for ‘Golden Fleet’ Warships to Counter China’s Growing Threat
- Former Oyo Catholic Bishop Julius Adelakun is Dead
- Nigeria to Deliver 4,000MW Renewable Energy Capacity Under ‘Nigeria First’ Policy
EKO HOT BLOG reports that he noted that although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s voting population, their representation in the National Assembly is among the lowest in Africa.
“Women often vote for male candidates, making it difficult for female candidates to win elections,” he said.
Currently, only four out of 109 senators and 17 of the 360 members of the House of Representatives are women, a figure that has shown only marginal improvement in recent years.
Akpabio added that the National Assembly is exploring “innovative solutions, including constitutional amendments,” to encourage gender inclusion in politics and governance. He also said the legislature is open to partnerships with advocacy groups such as the Black Women’s Forum to promote women’s participation in leadership.
McAllister, who led the EU delegation alongside Ambassador Greta Mylott, said their visit aimed to strengthen relations with Nigeria and deepen understanding of political and security developments in West Africa.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic and economic progress, especially in tackling terrorism, climate change, and regional instability.
“The EU is committed to supporting Nigeria’s development efforts,” McAllister stated.
The visit forms part of a wider West African mission that includes Ghana and comes ahead of the International Islamic Conference on Security and Governance in West Africa and the Sahel, scheduled for November 4, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission.
FURTHER READING
- Obasanjo Explains Why He Rejected El-Rufai as Successor
- NOA Launches ₦22m Animation Contest to Promote National Values
- Gombe Commissioner Dies in Road Accident
