INEC Warns Against Gender-Exclusive Primaries for 2027

During a speech at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on International Women's Day 2026, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN cautioned political parties that primaries excluding women would not meet the commission's regulatory standards.

He stated that the current electoral act and guidelines are insufficient to ensure women's participation, noting that systemic exclusion in primaries must be addressed. Amupitan highlighted the importance of political parties demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He expressed concern over the rise of gender-based disinformation and online harassment targeting female candidates, warning that the electoral space should not be weaponized against women. The commission currently has two female national commissioners and six female secretaries at the state level, with women representing 43 percent of the 10 out of 23 directors.

INEC has established a gender inclusivity department and appointed Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar Talba as a special advisor to further promote gender inclusivity within the commission.