Forum demands affirmative action, increased representation, and structural reforms within party
By A1 News Desk | Abuja, Nigeria
Female deputy governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on party leadership to support the emergence of at least one female governor in each geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 elections. The demand forms part of broader proposals aimed at increasing women’s political representation across Nigeria.
Call for Structural Reforms in APC
The demand was presented in Abuja during a meeting between members of the Female Deputy Governors Forum, led by Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The forum urged the party to adopt a structured affirmative action framework, including:
- At least one female governor per geopolitical zone
- Minimum 35% representation for women in State Houses of Assembly
- At least one female member of the House of Representatives per senatorial district
- At least one female senator per state
They also called for the retention of current female deputy governors serving their first term and increased appointments for women within party structures.
Low Representation Raises Concern
Salako-Oyedele highlighted the current gap in women’s political participation, noting that Nigeria has only nine female deputy governors, four female senators, and 17 female members in the House of Representatives.
She added that 13 states have no female legislators, with overall female representation standing at approximately 4–5 percent—among the lowest globally.
The forum argued that the issue is not capacity but structural barriers within party systems that influence candidate selection and electoral outcomes.
APC Leadership Responds
Responding, APC National Chairman Yilwatda acknowledged the imbalance and pledged to improve female representation.
He noted that women constitute about 50 percent of the party’s population, making their underrepresentation unacceptable.
“We will do everything within the National Working Committee to improve women’s participation in elective positions,” he said, urging the forum to submit proposals for consideration during the party’s constitutional amendment process.
2027 Strategy and Political Positioning
The forum emphasized that increasing women’s participation is not only about equity but also a strategic move to expand voter engagement, particularly among women and youth.
They described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for the APC to demonstrate leadership by breaking long-standing gender barriers in governance.
Pro-Tinubu Group Backs Government Policies
Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Network (TRN), a pro-APC group, urged Nigerians to disregard opposition criticism of President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his administration’s reforms are yielding positive results.
The group cited improvements in student financing, fuel supply, inflation trends, and foreign reserves as evidence of progress, while pledging to mobilize support for the administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
APC Women Leaders Demand Affirmative Action
Push for structured policies to increase female political participation.
Representation Gap Remains Significant
Data shows Nigeria lags behind global benchmarks in women’s political inclusion.
Party Leadership Signals Support for Reforms
APC chairman commits to improving gender balance within party structures.
Low female representation in governance limits inclusive policymaking and democratic participation. Expanding women’s roles could reshape political outcomes, strengthen voter engagement, and improve governance diversity in Nigeria.
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