The women of the ruling All Progressives Congress party (APC) political party in Nigeria have put out a demand for gender equality in the party’s constitution, structure and participation ahead of the 2023 general elections. Calling for equality and representation across the board, they have also called for the adoption of direct primary in electing officers of the party and candidates for the party, arguing that the indirect primary option has not reflected the true will of the people.
Making the demands on behalf of the female members of the party, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, called for 50 per cent representation for women across all elective positions in the party. Revealing that only one woman sat among the party’s current board of administrators, she made the demands known while presenting a memorandum to the party’s Constitution Review Committee.
“Immediately we heard about the constitution of the Committee, we swing into action. We happened to be the first because we agree that we are the most marginalized. And that is unacceptable for national development,” she said. “We are here to demand affirmative action. We need more women in the party structure and for all elections. We are demanding that no gender, women or men should occupy more than 60% as against the other. We are demanding gender equality. We are demanding for full participation and representation of women in the party structure and all elective seats in our dear country Nigeria.”
The Minister also called for a review of the delegate system of voting which she described as undemocratic. “We are saying that delegate election is not democratic. We are demanding open elections. Option A4. Direct primaries……We are not afraid to contest an election. We want a level playing ground. Women don’t have money like the men to buy delegates.”
We Support Women – APC
This demand for equality comes days after the party itself released a statement alluding to its support for women in politics.
In a statement released in honor of International Women’s Day, National Secretary, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, revealed that has the party has afforded women a greater voice and participation in party management as well as governance of the country.
He said; “from the composition of the Party’s various membership registration committees, to the Governor Yahaya Bello-led Committee on Women, Youths and People With Disabilities (PWDs) sensitisation and the on-going APC Constitution review exercise (which amendments will consider better women inclusiveness), there is a clear statement that women are being given greater voice and participation in the affairs of our party.
Despite this, several reports continue to show a disproportionate level of participation and support when it comes to women in politics, ranging from contested elections to government appointments.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral and political reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
