Ekiti CSOs Demand Increased Female Political Representation

On Friday, a coalition of civil society organizations in Ekiti State called on political parties to create an environment that allows women genuine opportunities to contest in the upcoming 2027 state and national assembly elections. The coalition, which includes 20 civil society organizations, expressed concern over the low level of women's participation in leadership positions, highlighting a disconnect despite the country's commitment to inclusive governance and a 35% affirmative action target for women.

They urged political parties to establish clear guidelines for candidate selection that promote inclusivity and to ensure that internal processes are free from discrimination and intimidation. The coalition emphasized that the current 23% representation of women in the Ekiti State Assembly must increase to meet the 35% benchmark.

They called for serious consideration of women's positions in the House of Representatives and the Senate, advocating for a transparent and fair electoral process that allows women to emerge as credible candidates.