Nigeria

*Only 9.6% of candidates are women*Groups call for deliberate commitment to gender balance

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

The 10th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2026) is set to focus on women’s political participation, leadership and representation as women from across Nigeria gather for the anniversary edition of the conference.

Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), other women’s groups and civil society organisations have expressed concern over the fact that only 443 women are amon

ix decades after independence, experts say Nigeria’s democratic system has recorded important electoral and institutional changes, but persistent gaps in political inclusion, accountability, reliable data and public confidence continue to challenge democratic development.

African legislatures have been urged to use their legislative and political powers to enact and enforce laws that will dismantle entrenched barriers to women’s participation in politics.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political party leaders to move beyond mere declarations and start implementing concrete steps to boost women’s political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Public Affairs Analyst, Ridwan Adelaja, has accused the Nigerian media of contributing to the marginalisation of women and youths in politics by giving more attention to entertainment and gossip than governance and policy issues.

Youth leaders and peace actors have raised concerns over the increasing vulnerability of young people to political manipulation, warning that rising political temperatures ahead of the