Adamawa-based women advocacy group, Women in Politics, has decried the exclusion of women aspirants from the recently concluded APC House of Assembly primary elections in Adamawa.
Spokesperson of the group, Mrs Comfort Ibrahim, said in Yola on Friday, that not even one woman out of the six who indicate interest for the APC primary was elected the standard bearers for the 2027 state assembly election.
Ibrahim described the outcome as a setback to inclusive governance and gender-balanced political representation quest in the state.
She said that the group had expected increased female participation in the present electoral process but regretted that the state was rather recording a set-back.
According to her, this development discourages women participation, undermines democratic fairness, equal representation and inclusive decision-making processes in the state.
Ibrahim said women remained critical contributors to national development, peacebuilding, economic growth and family sustenance, in spite of continued exclusion from political leadership opportunities.
“The absence of female candidates after the primary raises serious concerns about the state’s commitment to gender equity and equal representation in governance.
“The exclusion of women could cause inadequate attention to issues affecting women and children during legislative deliberations and policy formulation,” she said.
She stressed that inclusive governance remained essential for sustainable development, social justice and proper representation of citizens’ interests in a democratic society.
Ibrahim appealed to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of the state, to intervene and address the exclusion of women in the exercise.
She also urged APC stakeholders to adopt deliberate measures to promote equitable representation and meaningful inclusion of women in the political process.
According to her, the group advocates affirmative action policies, equal opportunities for qualified women and a political environment free from discrimination, intimidation and marginalization.
“It also calls for stronger collaboration among political parties, government institutions and civil society organizations to promote women’s political participation.’’
Ibrahim said women were not seeking favors but demanding their rightful place as equal stakeholders in the democratic process.
She reiterated the group’s commitment to peaceful advocacy and sustained engagement toward achieving gender-balanced governance in Adamawa and across Nigeria. (NAN)
