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In a recent episode of Electoral Reform Half Hour on NTA News 24, human rights lawyer, co-founder and Director of Programs at YIAGA Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, made a compelling case for legislative reforms to address the low representation of women in Nigerian politics. She called for the introduction of gender quotas as a critical step toward ensuring that women have a more prominent role in governance.

Mbamalu emphasized that Nigerian politics remains largely male-dominated, with less than 5% representation of women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. She stressed the need for systemic reform to address the structural barriers that hinder women’s active participation in politics.

During the program, she identified several obstacles hindering women’s political success. The political party structure in Nigeria, she explained, is overwhelmingly controlled by men, making it difficult for women to influence decisions, including the selection process during primaries. Cultural and religious factors also play a significant role in discouraging women from entering politics, especially in more conservative regions of the country. In northern Nigeria, in particular, many voters remain resistant to the idea of women in leadership positions due to religious and cultural views.

Mbamalu further pointed out the financial burden associated with running for political office, which disproportionately affects women. “The cost of contesting for political positions is extremely high, and many women lack the financial backing to compete with their male counterparts,” she said.

Reflecting on the Edo State gubernatorial elections in 2024, Mbamalu noted that only one female candidate, Patients Key of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), contested the governorship. She struggled to gain visibility and support due to her affiliation with a smaller political party. While women were present as deputy governorship candidates, Mbamalu stressed that this was still insufficient, as women remain sidelined in the most critical leadership roles.

To address these challenges, Mbamalu advocated for the introduction of legislative quotas. She cited Sierra Leone’s success, where a gender equality law led to a significant increase in women’s representation in parliament, rising from 12% to nearly 30% within a single election cycle. She expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve similar progress with the right legal framework.

However, she acknowledged that past attempts to pass gender quota laws in Nigeria have faced resistance. Mbamalu suggested that male allies could play a crucial role in advancing this cause. “We need male champions for gender equality. In a patriarchal society, men tend to listen to other men, so having men advocate for legislative quotas could help shift the conversation,” she explained.

The call for legislative quotas represents a significant step in the ongoing fight for gender equality in Nigerian politics. This advocacy highlights the need for legal reforms that can dismantle the entrenched barriers preventing women from assuming leadership roles in the country.

Mbamalu also stressed the importance of investing in capacity building and mentorship opportunities, particularly for younger women aspiring to contest elections. She emphasized that women must be part of the decision-making processes in Nigeria, as their participation is crucial for creating a more inclusive political landscape.