The European Union has intensified efforts to boost women’s participation in Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 general election, convening a high-level strategy meeting in Abuja to press for reforms and stronger political commitment.
Organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, the meeting brought together lawmakers, civil society groups and development partners to assess progress on women’s inclusion and map strategies for the next electoral cycle.
Held under the theme “Advancing Women’s Political Leadership: Strengthening Pathways to Inclusive Representation in 2027”, the forum focused on the proposed Special Seats Bill and broader constitutional reforms seen as critical to addressing gender imbalance in governance.
Speaking at the event, Laolu Olawumi, governance and gender adviser at the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed that meaningful progress would depend on political will.
“As the 2027 elections approach, the constitutional reform process presents a critical opportunity to promote inclusion,” she said, noting that women’s participation remains central to equality, development and democratic legitimacy despite enduring barriers.
Representation gap
Clement Nwankwo, executive director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, highlighted stark disparities in representation, pointing out that 15 states currently have no female lawmakers in their houses of assembly.
He described the situation as a “significant gap” in Nigeria’s democratic architecture and argued that without the passage of the Special Seats Bill, constitutional amendments risk falling short of delivering real inclusion.
Brenda Anugwom, chief executive of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, echoed concerns about structural obstacles, noting that while women play active roles as voters and campaigners, they remain largely excluded from decision-making positions.
From dialogue to action
The chair of NBA-SPIDEL, Uju Agomoh, called for a shift beyond advocacy to concrete action, warning that persistent exclusion reflects deeper systemic failings within Nigeria’s political system.
Similarly, the president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, urged greater confidence in women’s leadership, arguing that competence, not gender, should determine political opportunity.
A member of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Gbefwi, struck a cautiously optimistic tone, citing growing national attention around the Special Seats Bill. However, he warned that entrenched cultural, religious and societal norms continue to hinder progress.
Reform agenda
The meeting ended with renewed calls for sustained advocacy, institutional reform within political parties and stronger legislative backing to improve women’s representation.
With Nigeria’s next election cycle approaching, participants framed the push for inclusion not only as a matter of equity, but as a test of the country’s democratic maturity.
