A report has shown that of 51 candidates participating in the Saturday off-cycle governorship election in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states, only three are women.
Residents of the three states are expected to go out on Saturday, November 11, to elect their preferred candidates.
A report, however, titled ‘The 2023 Off-cycle Elections: Evaluating Gender Representation Before the Vote,’ unveiled by a Civil Society Organisation known as ElectHER expressed disappointment with the number of women participating in the poll.
“A marked lack of emphasis on bolstering women’s political engagement prevails, primarily attributed to the inadequate comprehension of the opportunity cost associated with increased women’s representation in decision-making roles. 
“Furthermore, while concerted efforts are being made by CSOs and development partners to advance women’s participation at the federal level, the sub-national levels receive little attention,” the publication revealed.
During a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, the founder and chief executive officer of ElectHER, Ibijoke Faborode, emphasized the importance of enhancing women’s involvement in politics and governance. Faborode stressed that the discussion surrounding women’s participation should transcend superficial exchanges.
She said, “There is a need for improved consideration in ensuring that women are pushed forward as candidates. One information we could not access despite all the efforts is the number of female aspirants.”
“Elections produce leaders. When we don’t have women playing at this level, we limit the extent to which we can grow and develop as a country.
“The more we have surface conversations about women’s participation in politics, the less and less stakeholders take it seriously.”
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