2027: Coalition Demands Special Seats For Women

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a coalition of faith-based and civil society organisations, backed by Catholic Reverend Sisters, has demanded urgent reforms to end the marginalisation of women in Nigeria’s political leadership.

The coalition warned that the nation’s development was being crippled by a dismal four percent female representation in governance.

At a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Sister Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN, AFJN Washington coordinator of Women Empowerment, said that despite women constituting half of Nigeria’s population, they remain virtually invisible in decision-making at the national, state and local levels.

“Despite comprising half of Nigeria’s population, women are grossly underrepresented in governance at the national, state, and local levels. This imbalance diminishes diverse perspectives on the national agenda and hampers the nation’s capacity to achieve equitable and sustainable development,” she said.

The coalition, which includes the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), Dominicans for Justice and Peace at the United Nations, and several civil society partners, blamed a toxic mix of structural, cultural, economic, and political obstacles.

They noted that women aspirants face violence, harassment, and intimidation far more than their male counterparts.

“Women aspirants to political office, more than their male counterparts, are often subjected to violence, harassment, and intimidation, which not only deters their participation but also poses serious threats to their safety during campaigns,” she said.

The group also criticised Nigeria’s failure to enforce its own National Gender Policy, adopted in 2006, which recommended 35 percent representation for women.

“In 2006, Nigeria adopted a ‘National Gender Policy’ to ensure at least 35% of women are represented in public offices, but has woefully failed to enshrine it into law and enforce it. It is not enough for Nigeria to talk about gender balance in leadership,” she stated.

Citing global examples, the coalition noted that countries like Rwanda (64 percent), Cuba (56 percent), and Mexico (50 percent) have achieved their goals through legislation, while Nigeria ranks a shocking 178th out of 182 countries studied.

“Think of that for a moment and let it sink in. Inclusive leadership is not just about achieving gender balance; it is a strategic necessity to create policies that are more comprehensive and embrace the common good,” she said.

Responding to questions from journalists, Sister Madueke further clarified that the coalition is not asking women to compete directly with men under the current flawed system. Instead, they are demanding affirmative action through dedicated special seats.

“We have made attempts to reach six committees, but we won’t relent. We are for the special seats for women. It is only when affirmative action is given that we can come forward,” she said.

She stressed that the kind of affirmative action they seek is not about pitting women against men.

“The kind of affirmative action we are calling for is not for women to be competing with men,” she explained.

Also speaking, Aniedi Okure, Permanent Delegate to the United Nations and former Executive Director of AFJN, emphasized that the coalition is entirely non-partisan and has received no financial support from any political party.

“Not a kobo, not half a Naira has been received from any political party for this cause. There is nothing partisan about this group. The group is just concerned about the well-being of Nigerians,” Okure said.

He painted a grim picture of the political environment, noting that the current dynamics are fundamentally unfavorable to women.

“The dynamics of politics and the political environment are not favorable to women’s participation in politics. The group is working to empower women and to make them believe they can do it. We need to encourage women and put laws in place to ensure women’s participation,” he added.

The coalition called on political leaders at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and implement intentional reforms.

Their demands include reforms in political party structures to improve access for women candidates, stronger legislation and enforcement mechanisms supporting inclusive governance, policies addressing financial constraints faced by women aspirants, and enforcement of laws penalizing electoral violence and harassment, especially against women.