Female deputy governors urge APC to boost women’s representation
Nigeria’s female deputy governors are pushing for greater inclusion of women in politics. Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, led the call in a letter to APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. The group wants the All Progressives Congress to adopt a structured affirmative action plan to increase women’s participation in elective and party positions. They argue that higher female representation will strengthen governance and the party’s appeal.
Key takeaways
- Senator Akon Eyakenyi coordinated the letter on behalf of Nigeria’s female deputy governors to the APC leadership.
- The letter notes that women currently hold only nine deputy governorships, four Senate seats, seventeen House of Representatives seats, and forty-eight positions in State Houses of Assembly.
- Thirteen states have no female legislators, with overall women’s participation at just 4–5% nationally.
- The group proposes a minimum of 35% female representation in State Houses of Assembly and calls for at least one female legislator per senatorial district and state.
- The deputy governors pledged to mentor future female leaders and strengthen grassroots engagement to achieve these goals.
