CISLAC and WIELD-I Push for Women's Political Reforms

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged for enforceable legislative, constitutional, and political reforms to enhance women's representation in Nigeria's political institutions in light of the upcoming 2027 general elections. Amarachi Evangel Okeke, Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Inclusion, Empowerment and Leadership Development Initiative (WIELD-I), noted the significant underrepresentation of women among candidates for the National Assembly, with only 443 women out of 4,408 candidates cleared by INEC, amounting to approximately 10 percent.

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC Executive Director, stated that this low representation stems from structural barriers rather than a lack of willingness from women to participate in politics. He identified high nomination fees, unequal access to political financing, and male-dominated party structures as major obstacles.

CISLAC called for political parties to implement binding gender targets for nominations, reduce nomination fees for women, and ensure transparent candidate selection processes. Additionally, they demanded legislative reforms to make gender inclusion an enforceable obligation.