Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has decried the low participation of women in Nigerian politics, describing the exclusion of women from governance as an exercise in futility.
Ibezim, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the National Women Summit held in Abuja with the theme, “Advancing Women’s Inclusion in Politics and Governance,” said Nigeria’s democracy cannot be complete unless women are given a central role in decision-making.
According to a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the summit, although organised by APGA, brought together women leaders, political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and gender advocates from across the country for a non-partisan dialogue on increasing women’s representation in politics and governance.
Opara stated that declaring the summit open, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Sly Ezeokenwa, said the party convened the event because sustainable national development cannot be achieved when more than half of the country’s population remains underrepresented in governance.
“This summit is not about APGA alone. It is about Nigeria. When women are excluded from the table, policies become incomplete. Advancing women’s inclusion is not a favour to women; it is an investment in better governance for all Nigerians,” Ezeokenwa said.
The statement noted that participants identified financial constraints, cultural norms, political violence against women, and party nomination processes as major barriers to women’s participation in politics.
The summit therefore called on political parties to adopt internal affirmative action measures, support the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, and fully implement the 35 per cent Affirmative Action policy.
Women leaders at the conference also shared their experiences and stressed the need for mentorship, capacity building, and financial support to prepare the next generation of female political leaders.
Speaking at the event, APGA National Woman Leader, Barr. Lizzy Nwokeocha, said the challenges confronting women in politics cut across party lines.
“The plight of Nigerian women in politics cuts across party lines. Today, we have put partisan interests aside to confront a national challenge. Our daughters deserve a political system that welcomes them,” she said.
The summit also advocated constitutional and electoral reforms to enhance women’s representation in elective and appointive offices.
Participants further urged political parties to implement voluntary quotas for female aspirants, establish a national mentorship network for women in politics, and improve data collection on women’s participation at all levels of governance.
Opara added that APGA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening internal mechanisms that promote women’s leadership as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Source: New Telegraph
