The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and supporting legislative measures aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics and party leadership across Nigeria.
Speaking during an advocacy visit by the Women’s Collective Forum on Women’s Participation and Representation in Elective Positions and Party Leadership at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need for affirmative action backed by constitutional and legal reforms to guarantee greater representation for women and marginalized groups in elective offices.
Yakubu noted that the visit coincided with the United Nations International Day of Democracy, celebrated globally on September 15, with this year’s theme: “Achieving Gender Equality: From Voice to Action.” He commended the Women’s Collective, led by Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, for their sustained advocacy for inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
“The most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalized groups in legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provisions, as is the case in many jurisdictions,” Yakubu said. “The ongoing review of the Constitution and Electoral Act offers an opportunity to engage with lawmakers for the necessary amendments.”
Highlighting INEC’s internal strides towards gender inclusivity, the Chairman revealed that 12 out of 22 departments and directorates at the Commission’s headquarters — representing 55% — are headed by women. He also disclosed that many of the Commission’s Administrative Secretaries across various states are women.
Yakubu added that INEC had established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity to promote the participation of marginalized groups in the electoral process. He urged political parties to continue increasing women’s representation in their leadership structures, noting that while progress has been made, “much work still needs to be done.”
The INEC Chairman assured the Women’s Collective Forum of the Commission’s unwavering support, stating,
“We welcome your consistent advocacy for women’s participation and representation in political party leadership and elective representation in Nigeria. You can continue to count on the Commission’s support at all times.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Leader of the delegation and former member of the House of Representatives, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, ⁹emphasized the urgent need for inclusivity and reform in Nigeria’s political culture. She urged the Commission to engage the 14 newly registered political parties by asking critical questions about their vision and role in shaping the country’s democracy.
Nkoyo questioned whether these parties would truly represent the interests of the people or merely continue the status quo. She stressed that women, persons with disabilities, and young people bring unique value and perspectives that could help address the “democratic deficits” Nigeria faces.
According to her, equality and innovation must be at the heart of political party structures to drive genuine progress and strengthen the country’s democratic foundations.
Amb. Nkoyo further highlighted the resilience and productivity of Nigerian women, calling for their inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes. She warned that if the current culture of exclusion persists, Nigeria would continue to rank poorly in global indices on diversity and inclusion.
She urged stakeholders to work together creatively to build systems and structures that foster change and ensure fair representation. Nkoyo concluded by expressing hope for a future where the values and contributions of women, young people, and persons with disabilities are fully integrated into Nigeria’s political system, making the nation stronger and more equitable.
The advocacy visit is part of ongoing efforts by women’s groups to push for legislative amendments that will institutionalize affirmative action and ensure equitable representation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape.