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The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists calls on political parties to increase female representation in nominations for legislative seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has urged political parties to ensure greater inclusion of women in nominations for the National Assembly, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call comes as political parties across the country commence primary elections in preparation for the next electoral cycle.
Concern Over Low Female Representation
In a statement jointly signed by the Osun NAWOJ Chairperson, Abisola Ariwodola, and Secretary, Oluwaranti Ojewumi, the association expressed concern over the low number of female candidates emerging from recent party primaries in the state.
NAWOJ noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had concluded its primary elections in Osun with only one female candidate among its flag bearers for federal legislative positions.
Political Parties As Gatekeepers Of Inclusion
The association emphasized that political parties play a crucial role in addressing the low representation of women in parliament, especially before the proposed Special Seat Bill becomes law.
It added that women currently occupy less than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly, placing Nigeria among countries with low female parliamentary representation in Africa.
Recommendations For Gender Equity
NAWOJ urged political parties to adopt practical measures to promote women’s participation, including:
- Partial waiver of nomination fees for female aspirants.
- Reservation of slots for women during primaries.
- Provision of campaign support for female candidates.
- Inclusion of women groups in candidate selection processes.
- Representation of women in party decision-making structures.
Support For The Special Seat Bill
Speaking on the proposed Special Seat Bill before the National Assembly, NAWOJ described it as a structural response to the persistent low female participation in politics at both federal and state levels.
Commitment To Inclusive Democracy
The association reaffirmed its commitment to gender advocacy, urging political parties in Osun and across Nigeria to prioritize women’s inclusion as a democratic imperative rather than a symbolic gesture.