2027: Stakeholders Demand Greater Female Representation in Governance

Despite growing calls for gender inclusion, women remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s political space, with some states still lacking female lawmakers.
Why does the gap persist, and what can be done to bridge it?
In this special report, Correspondent Chizoba Opara highlights the need to improve female representation in governance, with a focus on Imo State.
Nigeria’s story of female representation in governance remains one of slow but steady progress against deep-rooted obstacles. This is despite sustained advocacy, legislative efforts, grassroots mobilization, economic empowerment initiatives, and changing societal attitudes.
Women bring unique perspectives that help shape more inclusive policies, particularly in areas such as maternal health, education, and family welfare. Yet, as the 2027 general elections draw closer, women continue to occupy only a small fraction of elective positions despite constituting nearly half of the country’s population.
Speaking on the need to address poor female representation in governance, a political stalwart and legal practitioner, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Aladum, observed that cultural and religious beliefs have continued to place women at the margins of political participation.
She noted that limited access to finance, gender stereotypes, political violence, and discrimination have hindered women’s involvement in politics, thereby reducing diversity in policy formulation and national development.
Dr. Aladum called for the effective implementation of gender quotas in elective and appointive positions, increased funding opportunities, mentorship programmes, and stronger measures against political violence.
Also speaking, social activist Reverend Thomas Nwachukwu called for greater support for women from their male counterparts. He described women as naturally endowed with leadership qualities and cited personalities such as Professor Nnenna Otti and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as examples of women who have excelled in leadership.
Rev. Nwachukwu expressed concern that money politics, violence, and personal interests have continued to undermine the nation’s political system and discourage many women from active political participation.
He maintained that women are equally capable of occupying any political office, from local government chairman to the presidency, provided they possess the necessary competence and leadership qualities.
In his reaction, a lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Dr. Anthony Opara, expressed dismay that the political class in Nigeria has redefined democracy as a government of the highest bidder, thereby technically shutting women out of the political process.
Dr. Opara opined that as the 2027 elections draw closer, there is a need for the political class to, as a matter of necessity, change the trend and provide women with greater opportunities to contribute their quota to the nation’s political development.
He stressed that increasing women’s participation in governance would not only strengthen democracy but also promote inclusive development and better representation of citizens’ interests.