Women’s groups in Nigeria’s Jigawa State have urged political parties to prioritise equal representation for women in elective and appointive positions ahead of the 2027 general election, citing their demographic and electoral significance.
The call was issued by Hajiya Maryam Muhammed Abubakar, State Coordinator of the Danmodi/Tinubu Mata Zalla women’s coalition, during an event in Gumel Local Government on Thursday. Organized by the Lautai Progressive Citizens Forum, the ceremony honoured four local appointees to federal and state roles.
Abubakar expressed concern over persistently low female political participation in Jigawa, despite state inclusion policies. She highlighted women’s voting power, noting they deliver approximately 65 to 70 per cent of votes in the state. “We are the majority, so I see no reason why we cannot contest and win any position,” she stated. Her group will focus on educating and supporting women candidates, with Governor Umar Namadi’s endorsement.
Governor Namadi’s administration has implemented a 30% quota for women in political appointments and launched initiatives like free girls’ education and women’s empowerment programmes. Abubakar thanked the governor but called for further inclusion, aligning with Nigeria’s National Gender Policy, which recommends a 35% benchmark for women’s representation—a target yet to be enshrined in law.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Aminu Haruna, Chairman of the Lautai Progressive Citizens Forum, said the event celebrated local appointees while rallying support for the 2027 elections. He praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Namadi for their leadership and affirmed the forum’s commitment to mobilising grassroots backing. The gathering also welcomed over 2,000 defectors from opposition parties—the ADC, PDP, and NNPP—into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling shifting political alliances.
The advocacy underscores broader efforts to bridge gender gaps in Nigerian politics, where women hold less than 10% of elected offices nationwide. With the 2027 election cycle approaching, stakeholders in Jigawa view it as a critical opportunity to translate women’s numerical strength into substantive political influence, potentially advancing gender parity in state governance.
