The push for increased female participation in Nigeria’s political space intensified on Friday as the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and other female deputy governors called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to back the emergence of women as governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call came under the platform of the Female Deputy Governors Forum, which urged the ruling party to adopt a deliberate framework that would guarantee at least 35 per cent representation for women in elective and appointive positions across the country.
The delegation, led by Salako-Oyedele, met with the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja, where they pressed for structural reforms within the party to promote gender inclusion.
Among the female deputy governors present were Senator Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom), Lady Chinyere Ekomaru (Imo), Josephine Piyo (Plateau), and Professor Ngozi Odu (Rivers).
The forum specifically called for the emergence of at least one female governor in each of the six geopolitical zones, alongside policies to return first-term female deputy governors, expand women’s appointments, and prioritise female aspirants during party primaries.
Salako-Oyedele commended Yilwatda’s leadership, describing him as a stabilising force within the party, while urging the APC to position itself as a driver of inclusivity as it prepares for the next general elections.
She expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistently low female political representation, noting that women currently occupy only nine deputy governorship positions, four Senate seats, 17 seats in the House of Representatives, and 48 seats in State Houses of Assembly.
According to her, 13 states have no female legislators, placing Nigeria’s overall female political representation at between four and five per cent—one of the lowest globally.
Citing international comparisons, she noted that countries such as Rwanda, South Africa, and Senegal have significantly higher female representation in governance, attributing Nigeria’s poor statistics not to a lack of capable women, but to structural and political barriers.
She also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at a recent National Executive Committee meeting, where he observed the low number of women in attendance, describing the comment as a wake-up call for political parties.
The forum proposed a series of reforms, including a minimum of 35 per cent female representation in State Houses of Assembly, one female House of Representatives member per senatorial district, and one female senator per state.
They also advocated a minimum of 18 female deputy governors nationwide, alongside deliberate policies to support female governorship candidates across geopolitical zones.
Salako-Oyedele argued that increased female participation would not only promote fairness but also strengthen the APC’s electoral chances by expanding its voter base and improving governance through diversity.
In his response, Yilwatda acknowledged the imbalance, noting that although women constitute about half of the party’s population, they hold less than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly.
He described the situation as unacceptable and pledged that the party’s National Working Committee would work towards improving women’s representation.
Yilwatda also emphasised the need to extend federal character principles beyond regional considerations to include gender balance, urging the forum to formally submit its proposals for consideration in the ongoing review of the party’s constitution.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment