By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
Female deputy governors across Nigeria have called on the All Progressives Congress to adopt a structured affirmative action framework to increase women’s participation in elective and party positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was contained in a letter signed by the Coordinator of the Forum of Female Deputy Governors, Akon Eyakenyi, and addressed to the party’s national chairman.
The letter highlighted Nigeria’s low female political representation, noting that women currently account for about 4 to 5 per cent of elected positions nationwide.
It read: “To address this imbalance, we are proposing a minimum of 35% female representation in State Houses of Assembly, at least one female House of Representatives member per Senatorial District, at least one female Senator per State, a minimum of 18 female Deputy Governors, and support for at least one
female Governor in each geopolitical zone.”
The deputy governors noted that increasing women’s participation would go beyond equity to strengthen governance and political outcomes.
They stated: “Expanding women’s participation strengthens our voter base, enriches governance by bringing diverse perspectives into decision-making, and positions our party as forward-looking and responsive to modern leadership realities.”
The group also pledged to mentor emerging female leaders and strengthen grassroots mobilisation across party structures.
They added: “This is a defining moment, not just for women in our party, but for the legacy of the APC.”
The deputy governors urged the party to take immediate steps, describing the 2027 elections as a key opportunity to improve gender inclusion in Nigeria’s
political system.
categories
recent posts
Kenya, South Africa Sign Six Agreements to Deepen Trade and Investment Ties
NIGERIA: EFCC Arraigns UNIBEN Staff Over Alleged N3.2 Million Salary Fraud
