We extend our heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Local Government Electoral Committee. Your distinguished legal career and unwavering commitment to democratic principles position you as an exemplary leader for this pivotal role.
As you embark on this significant responsibility, we are confident in your dedication to ensuring that the APC fields the most competent and electable candidates across all local government areas. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering a transparent and equitable electoral process that reflects the party’s core values.
In line with the APC’s commitment to inclusivity and democratic governance, we earnestly appeal for deliberate efforts to enhance women’s participation in the upcoming local government elections. Despite constituting approximately 49.3% of Nigeria’s population, women’s representation in political offices remains disproportionately low. For instance, in the 2023 general elections, women secured only 4.69% of executive and legislative positions at the federal and state levels .
This underrepresentation persists even though women accounted for 47.14% of registered voters in the 2023 elections, highlighting a significant disparity between electoral participation and political representation . Addressing this gap is not only a matter of equity but also essential for harnessing the full potential of our democratic system.
Nigeria is a signatory to several international conventions advocating for gender equality, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), ratified in 1985 . Additionally, the National Gender Policy recommends a minimum of 35% affirmative action for women in both elective and appointive positions . Aligning our local electoral practices with these commitments will reinforce Nigeria’s dedication to upholding international standards of gender inclusivity.
Globally, countries that have embraced gender parity in politics have witnessed substantial benefits. Rwanda, for example, boasts a parliamentary representation of 61.3% women, the highest worldwide . Similarly, nations like Mexico and New Zealand have implemented policies ensuring significant female participation in governance, leading to more comprehensive and representative policymaking.
True VALUE, is in the CHARACTER of who LEAD you.
My community! My pride!!
OMO DADA LO’KAN.
Support WHITTY 2025.
As COUNCILLOR
WARD C ISHERI-OSHUN IGANDO-IKOTUN LCDA.
•Hon. DADA RAFIAT OMOLARA.
We urge the Electoral Committee under your esteemed leadership to implement strategies that promote women’s candidacy, such as:
Establishing clear guidelines that encourage the nomination of qualified female candidates.
Providing training and resources to support women aspiring to political office.
Ensuring a fair and transparent selection process that mitigates systemic biases.
By championing these initiatives, the APC can set a precedent for inclusive governance, reflecting the diverse voices within our communities.
Once again, congratulations on your appointment and all distinguished members of the Committee. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your leadership in advancing both democratic ideals and gender inclusivity within the APC and Lagos State at large.
Dr. G. A. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
