The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting increased involvement and representation of women in political party leadership roles and elective offices across Nigeria.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC’s chairman, made this declaration during a courtesy visit by the Women’s Collective, an advocacy group operating under the umbrella of ‘The Electoral Hub,’ at the Commission’s Abuja headquarters on Wednesday.
He highlighted that in its engagements with political parties, INEC consistently encourages the inclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women, in leadership positions within parties. While many political organizations have shown positive responses, Yakubu emphasized that significant progress is still required.
According to Yakubu, the most impactful strategy to enhance women’s and other marginalized groups’ presence in legislative bodies is through affirmative action backed by explicit legal frameworks, a practice successfully implemented in various countries.
This approach, he explained, necessitates amendments to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
He further noted that the current constitutional and electoral law reviews present a timely opportunity to collaborate with lawmakers to enact necessary legislative reforms.
“Fortunately, this issue has regained prominence on the legislative agenda. During our retreat earlier this year with members of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters from both the Senate and House of Representatives, we endorsed amendments aimed at boosting women’s representation in elective offices,” Yakubu stated.
“We appreciate your unwavering efforts to champion women’s participation and leadership within political parties and elective positions in Nigeria. The Commission remains a steadfast ally in this cause,” he added.
Yakubu also underscored INEC’s dedication to equal opportunity and inclusiveness, both within its organizational structure and in fulfilling its electoral management duties.
“Currently, women lead 12 out of the 22 Departments and Directorates at our Headquarters in Abuja, accounting for 55% of our Directors. Additionally, many Administrative Secretaries, who serve as Directors across the States, are women,” he revealed.
“In terms of the electoral framework, we maintain a gender policy that is regularly reviewed and updated. We have also established a dedicated Department of Gender and Inclusivity to enhance access for marginalized and underrepresented groups throughout the electoral process,” Yakubu added.
Nkoyo Toyo, leader of the Women’s Collective, urged INEC and other key stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote women’s inclusion and active participation in politics.
She also called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill reserving seats for women, emphasizing its critical role in achieving gender parity in political representation.
