The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has called on political parties to ensure greater inclusion of women in nominations for National Assembly, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association made the call as political parties across the country embark on primary elections ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In a statement jointly signed by the Osun NAWOJ Chairperson, Abisola Ariwodola, and Secretary, Oluwaranti Ojewumi ok Saturday, the association said it had observed low female representation in recent party primaries within the state.
NAWOJ noted that the All Progressives Congress, APC, had concluded its primary elections in Osun State with only one female candidate emerging among its flag bearers for federal legislative positions.
According to the association, “the outcome reflected the continued underrepresentation of women in elective politics despite years of advocacy for gender equity.”
The association stated that “political parties have a significant role to play in addressing the low representation of women in parliament before the proposed Special Seat Bill becomes law.
“Political parties are the gatekeepers of candidacy. Voluntary affirmative action by parties in Osun will send a strong signal that the state is committed to inclusive democracy.”
NAWOJ stated 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.”
The association urged political parties to adopt measures including partial waiver of nomination fees for female aspirants, reservation of slots for women during primaries and provision of campaign support for female candidates.
It also called on party leaders to involve women groups in candidate selection processes and ensure women are included in party decision-making structures.
Speaking on the proposed Special Seat Bill before the National Assembly, NAWOJ described the legislation as a structural response to low female participation in politics at federal and state levels.
“Even without the bill being passed yet, parties can demonstrate commitment by voluntarily increasing the number of women they field. Inclusion is not a favour; it is a democratic requirement,” the statement added.
