INEC Reports Low Female Representation in 2027 Elections

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published final lists showing that women are significantly underrepresented, making up only 9.65% of the 4,881 candidates cleared for various elective positions. This figure falls far below the 35% affirmative action target.

Among the candidates, 471 are women, while 4,410 are men. In the presidential election, only two out of 18 candidates are women: Okwori Fredrick from the National Democratic Party and Okereke Esther from the National Rescue Movement.

The senatorial election features 1,303 candidates, with 123 women (9.44%) and 1,180 men (90.56%). The House of Representatives has 3,560 candidates, including 346 women (9.72%).

Akwa Ibom leads with the highest number of female senatorial candidates at 10, while Lagos has the most female candidates for the House of Representatives at 31. Mujidat Agbabiaka, Communication Manager of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, emphasized the need for a more accessible political system for women.