By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, millions of citizens will reflect on the journey of the nation’s democratic experiment — its gains, challenges, and aspirations. Democracy, at its core, is built on the principles of inclusion, representation, participation, and equal opportunity.
Yet, for many Nigerian women, the question remains: what exactly is there to celebrate when their voices and representation continue to be marginalized in the political space?
The recently concluded party primaries ahead of future electoral contests once again exposed the glaring gender imbalance within Nigeria’s political system. Across the major political parties, women secured less than 15 percent of available positions.
In several instances, women who dared to contest faced overwhelming structural barriers, financial constraints, intimidation, and entrenched political networks designed to keep them on the sidelines. I can’t start mentioning names the list is endless.
This reality raises serious concerns about the health of our democracy. Can a democracy truly thrive when over half of its population remains grossly underrepresented in decision-making processes? And the sad irony is that more women come out to Vote, but their gender did not make it at the Primaries.
For years, advocates have pushed for affirmative measures to bridge the gender gap in governance. One such initiative was the Reserved Seats Bill, designed to create additional legislative opportunities for women.
Unfortunately, the bill failed to receive the support and urgency it deserved. Its inability to progress sends a troubling message about the commitment of political leaders to inclusive governance. The Women Lobbied the Governor’s Wives, Governors, the National Assembly yet although it was listed for Voting on June 11, 2026 it did not make it.
Nigeria the giant of Africa, continues to rank poorly among African nations in female political representation. Countries such as Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal, and Namibia have demonstrated that deliberate policies can significantly improve women’s participation in politics. Their experiences prove that gender inclusion is not merely a women’s issue; it is a national development imperative.
To be fair, there have been encouraging signs at the executive level. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves recognition for appointing women into strategic positions within his administration. Women currently occupy important roles in government, contributing meaningfully to policy formulation and national development.
These appointments demonstrate confidence in the competence, capacity, and leadership abilities of Nigerian women. Such Office Includes Minister Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Ojukwu who is doing Nigeria and Women proud across the globe.
However, appointments alone cannot substitute for political representation through democratic processes. Sustainable democracy requires women to emerge as elected leaders, lawmakers, governors, party chairpersons, and policymakers.
Political appointments may come and go, but elected positions confer legitimacy, influence, and long-term participation in governance.
The bigger challenge lies with Nigeria’s political parties. While many parties maintain women’s wings and appoint Women Leaders, very few have demonstrated genuine commitment to promoting women into positions of real authority.
One must ask: how many political parties have women serving as national chairpersons? How many women occupy strategic decision-making positions within party hierarchies? How many women are included in candidate selection committees and power blocs where critical decisions are made?
The answers reveal a troubling reality. Women are often celebrated during campaigns but sidelined when power is shared.
Political parties must move beyond symbolic gestures. They must deliberately create pathways for female leadership, reduce nomination fees, strengthen internal affirmative action policies, provide mentorship opportunities, and dismantle barriers that discourage women from contesting elections.
Yet, the responsibility does not rest solely on political parties. Nigerian women themselves must begin preparations now for the political battles ahead. The road to 2031 starts today.Women aspiring for leadership positions must return to their constituencies, strengthen grassroots structures, build political alliances, engage their communities, and establish sustainable support networks.
The era of waiting for political favors must give way to strategic political engagement. Women must organize, mobilize, fundraise, mentor younger aspirants, and remain visible in local political conversations. Democracy rewards preparation, persistence, and participation.
As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, this moment should not merely be one of commemoration but of reflection and recommitment. A democracy that leaves women behind is a democracy operating below its full potential. The exclusion of women from governance weakens representation, limits diversity of thought, and undermines national development.
The journey toward gender-balanced governance may be long, but it remains necessary. Democracy must work for everyone, not just a privileged few.
As the nation looks ahead, the challenge is clear: political parties must do better, policymakers must do better, and women must continue to rise, organize, and lead.
Only then can Democracy Day become a true celebration for all Nigerians.
The question remains: if less than 15 percent of those shaping Nigeria’s political future are women, can we honestly say our democracy is fully representative? As the nation celebrates today lets ponder on this and work towards that.