Gender Equality in Nigerian Politics: Progress, Setbacks, and the Road Ahead

Nigeria ranks among the lowest in the world for women's political representation, with women occupying fewer than 5% of seats in the National Assembly — a figure that has barely shifted since the return to democracy in 1999.

The 2023 elections were particularly disappointing for gender advocates. Despite record numbers of female candidates, fewer women were elected to the federal legislature than in the previous cycle. The failure to pass the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill, which would have reserved at least 35% of positions in government for women, dealt a significant blow to the movement.

'The obstacles are both legal and cultural,' said Barrister Funmi Adeyemi, a Lagos-based women's rights advocate. 'Political parties do not support female candidates adequately, and the violence and financial demands of Nigerian elections disproportionately affect women.'

However, there are glimmers of progress. At the state level, more women have been appointed to cabinet positions, and the federal judiciary now has near-gender parity among newly appointed judges. Several states have enacted their own gender equity laws for appointments to boards and commissions.

The Electoral Act 2022 contains provisions intended to promote women's participation, including financial support for female candidates. INEC has also introduced measures to make polling units safer and more accessible.

Ahead of 2027, women's groups are working with political parties to increase the number of female candidates on party lists. They are also pushing for constitutional amendments that would make gender quotas mandatory rather than aspirational.

'2027 is a critical moment,' noted Dr. Aisha Bukar, a political scientist and gender equality campaigner. 'If we don't make progress then, we risk another decade of stagnation on this issue.'