Gender Parity In Nigeria’s Political Space

By Judith Ukoh

Just a little over a year ago, on June 8, 2022, Uju Ken Ohanenye, the only woman among the 23 presidential aspirants of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) withdrew from the contest in favour of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

For many Nigerians especially women who represent half of the population, this was not just a step back for gender equality in the country’s political landscape, but also a reminder of the many hurdles women face in attaining leadership roles in the country.

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After decades of political independence and transition into democracy, there remains a piercing question of why more women are not getting elected into political offices in Nigeria.

It cannot be denied that women do participate in one form or the other in politics in Nigeria. Nearly all political parties have strong women wings which are designed to coordinate and maintain the support base of each party. It is however disheartening that political parties seem to be content relegating women as Women leaders, Chief Women Organizer, etc., but when it comes to elective positions such as the gubernatorial seat, the Presidency, the Senate Presidency, the Speakership position of the House of Representatives, they are denied those very high decision making positions.

More specifically, less than 10 per cent of women who run for seats in either chamber of the national assembly emerge victoriously.

To change this narrative, the Special Seats Bill was proposed and co-sponsored by the former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamilia. But alas, the Bill that can boost Nigeria’s status as one of the countries making efforts to improve women’s representation in elective office was thrown out by the National Assembly.

If reverse had been the case, that singular act would have had ripple effects in the nation’s political space and we would have reached gender parity by now.

As the 10th National Assembly settles down to begin the business of legislation, they should bear in mind, the urgency to collectively have the political will to boost the participation of women in politics. They need to superimpose the appointments that are going to happen to make sure that women are fairly represented.

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The president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly assured women that he would take into cognizant, the 35% special seat bill. The 10th assembly therefore has the mandate to apply pressure and ensure this happens, thus, changing the narrative and making history.

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