By Torkwase Nyiekaa

Copyright independent

Torkwase Nyiekaa

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting women’s participation and representation in Nigeria’s political and electoral processes.

Yakubu stated this on Wednesday during an advocacy visit by the Women’s Collective Forum on Women’s Participation and Representation in Elective Positions and Party Leadership, led by Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that the visit came at a symbolic moment, just two days after the world marked the United Nations International Day of Democracy, themed “Achieving Gender Equality: From Voice to Action.”

“INEC is an equal opportunities organisation. We believe in inclusivity both in the workplace and in the discharge of our extensive responsibilities as an Election Management Body,” Yakubu said.

Highlighting progress within the Commission, the INEC boss revealed that women currently head 12 out of 22 departments and directorates at the Commission’s headquarters, representing 55 percent of directors. He added that several administrative secretaries, who double as state-level directors, are also women.

On the electoral process, Yakubu disclosed that INEC has put in place a gender policy, regularly reviewed and updated, alongside the creation of a Department of Gender and Inclusivity to enhance access for marginalised and under-represented groups. He said political parties have been consistently urged to promote greater inclusivity in their leadership structures, though more work is still required.

Speaking on elective representation, the INEC Chairman stressed that affirmative action backed by legal provisions remains the most effective way to guarantee women and other marginalised groups more seats in legislative assemblies. He said such provisions would require amendments to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.

Yakubu disclosed that during a retreat earlier this year with members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters, INEC supported proposals to amend the laws in order to ensure greater representation of women in elective positions.

“We welcome your consistent advocacy for women’s participation and representation in political party leadership and elective representation in Nigeria. You should continue to count on the Commission’s support at all times,” he assured the visiting delegation.

The INEC Chairman commended the Women’s Collective Forum, describing their engagement as timely and necessary for deepening inclusive democracy in Nigeria.