Women Face Exclusion in Nigeria's Political Landscape

Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuch, founder of HERAcademy Leadership Institute, expressed concerns over the systematic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria, particularly as party primaries approach the 2027 general elections. She referenced a statement from former Liberian President and Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, emphasizing that women constitute half of society and should be empowered.

Ogwuch noted that Nigeria ranks 180th out of 185 nations in women's parliamentary representation, with women holding only 4% of seats in the National Assembly, significantly below the global average of 26.9%. She criticized the political system for disadvantaging women and highlighted the need for reserved seats for women in legislative bodies.

Despite support from prominent political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, a proposed bill for reserved seats remains stalled among 44 constitutional amendments. Ogwuch's advocacy underscores the urgent need for women's inclusion in Nigeria's political framework.