Emma Elekwa
Some stakeholders in Anambra State have appealed to women to better organize themselves in their bid to close the gap between them and the male folks in political representation.
They were speaking at a one-day High-level Stakeholders’ Dialogue on inclusive electoral process organized by the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), a Non-governmental organization based in Anambra State.
The engagement concludes the implementation of project IMPACT – Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation being implemented in conjunction with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room with funding support from UK FCDO in Anambra and Imo States.
One of the stakeholders and lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Dennis Aribodor challenged Nigerian women to stop agonizing and start organizing to achieve their expectations in contesting and occupying elective positions.
According to Aribodor, the Owerri Zonal Coordinator, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and former ASUU chairman, NAU, the ‘organizing’ should be holistic and all inclusive and should commence with popular education among women on the alternative to the current retrogressive practices.
He said, “It also involves building their capacities and leveraging on their population to turn things around. They can leverage and partner with credible groups to actual their targets.
“It is good to put structures in place to encourage and motivate competent women to occupy elective positions.
“One way of doing this is to address, through legislation, the issue of exorbitant cost for obtaining the expression of interest form of political parties for all aspirants especially women and youth.
Exclusive system
A strong advocate for gender equality, and former Dean, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze, decried the current practice is highly exclusive to criminal elements and can not give Nigerians the desired quality leadership for transformation.
“The cost of expression of interest form should be tied to the National Minimum Wage and possibly be eliminated to give everyone a level playing ground.
“Other structural and systemic barriers, impediments, hindrances and disabilities could also be addressed through such a legislation,” she said.
Also speaking, Director, Institute of Social Policy and Strategic Studies, NAU, Prof Uche Collins Nwogwugwu underscored the place of distinction in women’s clamour for special seats.
According to the Professor of Economics, once a woman, youth or persons with disabilities distinguishes himself/herself among their peers, he/she is singled out for appointments or elective positions.
“In a civilized society, people are given positions based on merit and qualifications. Qualification in this context doesn’t mean passing exams.
“This doesn’t matter whether you’re a woman, youth or disabled. But because you know your onions, you can easily be singled out for appointment,” he argued.
Inclusive electoral and governance system
Earlier, Executive Director, SIDEC, Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike said the Project IMPACT was aimed to achieve inclusive electoral and governance system where both male and female, youth and persons with disabilities are given equal opportunity to occupy elective public offices.
She said, “SIDEC has consistently engaged with critical stakeholders on issues of inclusion, equality in governance and demand for Special Seats Bill for women, through Project IMPACT, with impressive results as manifested in the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.
“Our goal is to develop strategies to better implement Project IMPACT, and get more women into elective positions in Anambra LGA election and Nigeria’s general election in 2027.”
Other stakeholders at the meeting called for suitable competing environment and special quota to be reserved for women; rejigging of laws, capacity building, increased participation in political party activities, visibility for all marginalized groups, legal backing for the Special Seats Bill, among others.
The stakeholders include: Labour Party running mate in November 2025 poll, Mrs Ifeoma Okaro, the Director, Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies, UNIZIK, Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, as well as the traditional ruler of Ideani, Igwe Steven Onyekwelu Ezeji, and the traditional Prime Minister of Ebenebe, Chief Joe Nwegwu.
Others are: Revd Emma Okoroafor who represented the religious institution, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone C (South East), Orstager Chinweuba, representing Anambra State Town Unions Council, ASTUC Youth, among others.
The dialogue featured two panel sessions on inclusive Electoral process and the journey so far under project IMPACT and way forward as well as unveiling of the Project IMPACT Baseline Study Report and award presentation to State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, represented by CSP Harrison Anekwe in appreciation of peaceful November 2025 guber poll in the State.
