Ahead of the 2027 general election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) female deputy governors have called on the leadership of the party to take deliberate steps to support the emergence of at least one female Governor in each geopolitical zone.
The Deputy Governors led by Ogun state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele made the demand on Friday in Abuja during their meeting with the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Also, at the meeting included the Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, her Imo State counterpart, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Deputy Governor of Plateau, Ms. Josephine Piyi and Rivers state, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The deputy governors under the aegis of Female Deputy Governors Forum in Nigeria also demanded the return of current female Deputy Governors who are serving their first term.
They called for an increased number of women in appointive positions and prioritising women within party structures and during the primary process.
Speaking, Salako-Oyedele said Yilwatda as they approached the 2027 elections, there was a need for the ruling party to take a deliberate look at how they could further strengthen their position, not just electorally, but structurally and strategically.
She noted that at present, the data on women’s participation in elective office presents a clear and sobering picture as shown in the table below.
Salako-Oyedele stated: “We have only nine female Deputy Governors, four women in the Senate, seventeen in the House of Representatives, and forty-eight women across all State Houses of Assembly.
“In fact, 13 states in the country do not have a single female legislator and overall, women’s representation in elective office remains at about 4-5 per cent, placing Nigeria among the lowest globally.
“When compared with other countries, the gap becomes even more evident. Rwanda has achieved over 60 per cent female representation in parliament. South Africa and Senegal have crossed the forty percent mark”
Salako-Oyedele said this situation is not a reflection of a lack of capacity, adding that Nigeria is blessed with competent, experienced, and capable women who have demonstrated leadership across various sectors.
Her words: “Mr, Chairman sir, the issue before us is structural. Political outcomes are shaped within party systems, through how candidates emerge, how tickets are offered, and how support is mobilised. If we desire different outcomes, then we must take deliberate decisions within our party structures.
“In this regard, we respectfully propose that the party adopts a clear and structured affirmative action framework ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This would include a minimum of 35% representation for women in State Houses of Assembly,
“At least one female member for the House of Representatives per Senatorial District; at least one female Senator per State.
“Beyond these targets, there are immediate steps that can begin now. These include ensuring the return of current female Deputy Governors who are serving their first term, increasing the number of women in appointive positions, and prioritising women within party structures and during the primary process.”
They were of the opinion that their demand was not just about fairness, but also about strategy and expanding women’s participation strengthens our voter base, particularly among women and young people.
In his response, Yilwatda said the NWC under his leadership would do anything to ensure that they improve representation of women in elective positions.
He noted that the population of women in the ruling party is about 50 per cent, adding that having less than five per cent representation in the National Assembly was not acceptable.
Yilwatda stated: “If you talk about federal character, it is not just about the state where you come from, it also reflects gender.”
The Chairman pointed out that with the female population in the country constituting 50 per cent, the current representation of women in elective and appointive offices doesn’t reflect the federal character of the country.
According to him, So we’ll do anything that we can do within the National Working Committee to ensure that we improve representation of women.
The chairman also urged the female deputy governors to make their submission available for the party during the party’s constitution amendment.