The Forum of Female Deputy Governors in Nigeria has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt a bold affirmative action framework to significantly increase women’s participation in elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a formal letter dated today addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Forum offered warm congratulations in advance on his anticipated re-election as National Chairman.
Signed by Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-ordinator of the Forum, the letter praised Prof. Yilwatda’s steady leadership, describing him as a unifier, peace builder, and stabilising force within the party during a period of internal divisions across Nigerian politics.
The group highlighted the APC’s impressive current strength, noting that the party now controls 31 out of 36 governorships across the federation.
“This is not a mean feat,” the letter stated, crediting the chairman’s ability to build consensus, manage complexity, and sustain political growth.
The Forum also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration has taken bold steps to tackle long-standing economic challenges. While reforms have not been easy, the letter noted emerging signs of greater stability, renewed investor confidence, and gradual improvements in the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
Despite these achievements, the Forum presented a “clear and sobering picture” of women’s participation in elective office. Currently, Nigeria has only nine female Deputy Governors, four women in the Senate, seventeen in the House of Representatives, and forty-eightacross all State Houses of Assembly.
Thirteen states have no female legislator whatsoever, leaving women’s overall representation in elective positions at around 4-5% among the lowest rates globally.
The letter contrasted this with stronger performances elsewhere: Rwanda has achieved over 60 percent female representation in parliament, while South Africa and Senegal have crossed the 40 percent mark.
It emphasised that the shortfall is not due to a lack of capacity, as Nigeria has many competent, experienced, and capable women already contributing meaningfully in various sectors and within the APC.
Read the related story on New Daily Prime: Tinubu, Governors lead thousands to APC convention in Abuja
The Forum argued that the problem is structural — rooted in how candidates emerge, tickets are offered, and support is mobilised within party systems.
To address this, it proposed that the APC adopt a clear and structured affirmative action framework ahead of 2027, including:
– A minimum of 35% representation for women in State Houses of Assembly;
– At least one female member for the House of Representatives per Senatorial District;
– At least one female Senator per State;
– A minimum of 18 female Deputy Governors.
The group further called for deliberate steps to support the emergence of at least one female Governor in each geopolitical zone, noting that Nigeria has never elected a woman as a substantive Governor.
It also recommended immediate actions such as retaining serving female Deputy Governors for second terms, increasing women in appointive party positions, and prioritising them during primaries.
The Forum described the proposal as both a matter of fairness and strategic necessity. Expanding women’s participation would strengthen the party’s voter base, especially among women and young people, enrich governance with diverse perspectives, and position the APC as a modern, forward-looking party.
It referenced President Tinubu’s recent observation at a National Executive Committee meeting that there were too few women in the room, describing the comment as instructive and reflective of high-level recognition that more can and should be done.
With its dominant platform of 31 governors, the APC is “uniquely positioned” to shape Nigeria’s democracy meaningfully, the letter concluded.
“2027 beckons as one of those moments where leadership can make a lasting difference… our party can lead Nigeria forward, not just in words, but in representation, opportunity, and impact.”
The correspondence was copied to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
