Yiaga Africa has called on female candidates seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to adopt strategic campaign approaches, build strong grassroots support and put measures in place to protect their votes.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, made the recommendation during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday, November 9, while expressing concern over the declining number of women contesting political positions in Nigeria.
According to a report by Dataphyte published in September, women accounted for 10 per cent of the 5,094 candidates nominated for the 2023 general elections, representing 508 female candidates.
However, the figure has dropped to 9.7 per cent ahead of the 2027 elections, with only 475 women among the 4,899 candidates nominated so far.
Itodo attributed the decline largely to the lack of internal democracy within political parties, arguing that the candidate nomination process has increasingly limited opportunities for women.
He pointed to the adoption of consensus arrangements by several political parties following changes to the nomination process, saying party leaders had gained considerable influence over the selection of candidates.
The Yiaga Africa director also identified negative societal perceptions of female leadership and the rising cost of securing party nominations as significant barriers to women’s political participation.
He observed that some political parties continue to question the electoral viability of female candidates, often favouring male aspirants during the nomination process.
Itodo further explained that the high financial demands associated with seeking political office disproportionately affect women, particularly those with limited access to financial resources and political networks.
Speaking on possible solutions, he urged political parties to demonstrate genuine commitment to women’s participation by providing financial, institutional and organisational support to female aspirants.
He also stressed the importance of credible elections, warning that electoral manipulation could further undermine women’s chances of securing political positions.
According to him, female candidates must intensify their campaigns, focus on issues affecting their constituencies and establish strong support networks at the grassroots level.
He advised women contesting in 2027 to understand the local political environment, mobilise voters and develop effective strategies for monitoring and protecting their votes during elections.
Itodo maintained that being a female candidate should not prevent anyone from taking necessary steps to safeguard electoral mandates, urging women to remain actively involved throughout the electoral process.
The development highlights continuing concerns about women’s representation in Nigeria’s political system as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
Despite increased advocacy for gender inclusion, the latest figures indicate that women’s participation in electoral contests remains limited, raising fresh questions about political party structures, access to campaign financing and equal opportunities in the country’s democratic process.
Yiaga Africa has therefore called for stronger institutional support, transparent candidate selection and credible elections to improve women’s representation in public office.
