The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasised its dedication to fostering inclusive democracy, with a particular focus on increasing women’s representation in politics and leadership roles within political parties.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, made the announcement on Wednesday, September 17, during a visit by the Women’s Collective Forum to the commission’s Abuja headquarters.
The event coincided with reflections on the United Nations International Day of Democracy 2025, themed “Achieving Gender Equality: From Voice to Action,” highlighting global efforts to enhance women’s political participation.
Yakubu pointed out that women hold significant leadership positions within INEC, making up over half of its departmental heads.
“Today, 12 out of 22 Departments and Directorates of the Commission are headed by women. This means that 55 percent of the Directors at the Headquarters here in Abuja are women.
“Across the States of the Federation, many of our substantive Administrative Secretaries, who are also Directors, are women,” he said.
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He noted that INEC has a dedicated Department of Gender and Inclusivity and a gender policy that is regularly updated to guide its activities. The commission also engages political parties to promote female representation in leadership structures.
“In our consultative meetings with political parties, we have consistently urged them to ensure greater representation for under-represented groups in party leadership. Many of them have responded positively, although much work needs to be done,” Yakubu explained.
On the broader issue of women in elective offices, the INEC chairman advocated for legal reforms to support affirmative action.
“The commission believes that the most effective way of ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalised groups in the legislative assemblies is affirmative action supported by clear legal provision, as was the case in many jurisdictions.
“This calls for the amendment of sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022,” he said.
Yakubu confirmed INEC’s support for ongoing legislative initiatives aimed at improving women’s participation in elective positions.
“At our retreat earlier this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, we supported the amendment that will ensure greater representation of women in elective positions,” he said, assuring the Women’s Collective Forum of INEC’s continued partnership in empowering women politically.