EDITORIAL
In Nigeria, the clamour for women’s participation in politics and for, at least, 35% of available and elective or appointable political offices be reserved for them has continued to range on ceaselessly. Ironically, as this clamour gains momentum, little has really been achieved in that respect.
To date, the issue of 35% affirmative action remains a critical conversation. While there is a growing recognition of the invaluable contributions women can make, the reality on the ground often falls short of the aspirations for gender parity. This persistent struggle is indicative of the deep-seated challenges that continue to hinder women’s political progress in Nigeria.
It should be noted that the concept of 35% affirmative action as stipulated in Nigeria’s National Gender Policy aims to ensure that women fill at least 35% of elective or appointed positions. This policy is a crucial framework designed to address the historical underrepresentation of women in governance and decision-making roles. It reflects a national commitment, at least on paper, to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political environment.
Recent pronouncements, such as the Senate’s pledge to ensure 35% affirmative action for women in parliament and across governance processes, offer a glimmer of hope. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking at the 2026 International Women’s Day commemoration, even vowed to push for legislative reforms, including potential amendments to the 1999 Constitution, to remove obstacles hindering women’s socio-economic and political progress. Such high-level commitments are vital for driving change.
However, despite these pledges and the existence of the National Gender Policy, the implementation has been notably slow. Election observers and electoral stakeholders have critiqued past election cycles as being unfair to female candidates, with some describing the 2023 elections as a “bad outing for women.” The statistics of women in governance have drastically dropped, underscoring a significant gap between policy making and its implementation.
On record, Nigeria’s ranking of 178 out of 182 countries in female representation in national parliaments further illustrates the severity of the challenge. This dismal figure persists despite consistent campaigns and advocacy for increased women’s political inclusion, signalIing that rhetorical support for affirmative action has yet to translate into meaningful electoral success for women.
The reasons for this gap are multifaceted. They include deeply entrenched patriarchal traditions,stereotypes, socio-cultural barriers, economic disadvantages, and political structures that often favour male candidates. Women frequently face greater hurdles in terms of funding, political party support, and navigating a political environment that can be hostile to female aspirants.
Gladly,amidst these challenges, there are inspiring stories of Nigerian women who have broken barriers and achieved significant political milestones. Figures like Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, and Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, who became the youngest parliamentarian in Kwara State, and a few others demonstrated resilience and tenacity. These individual successes, while commendable, also highlight the exceptional effort required for women to succeed in the current system.
It is worthwhile to commend Civil Society Organizations, such as the Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), that have played a crucial role in advocating for the enforcement of the 35% affirmative action. Their efforts, including securing a groundbreaking Federal High Court verdict in 2022 against the government for non-compliance, underscore the ongoing legal and advocacy battles required to push for women’s inclusion in all tiers of the government.
Nigerian Horn opines that the call for constitutional amendments, as suggested by the Senate President, is a recognition that the current legal framework may not be sufficient to enforce gender parity effectively. Tinkering with the 1999 Constitution(as amended)to solidify women’s place in politics could provide a stronger legal backing for affirmative action and help dismantle some of the systemic barriers.
While we assert that the celebration of women’s achievements is important as a morale booster them, the real measure of progress in Nigerian politics will be the consistent and deliberate implementation of the 35% affirmative action. It requires not just pledges and policies or rhetorics,but a genuine commitment from all stakeholders to “walk the talk” and create an equitable political space where women’s voices are not just heard, but are integral to national decision-making.
