Women in Politics Forum Statement on Nigeria’s Democracy Day – June 12, 2025
Today, as Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) joins millions of Nigerians to reflect on our journey toward a more inclusive and equitable democracy. While democracy remains the best system for safeguarding rights, freedoms, and development, we must critically examine the extent to which it has served all Nigerians; particularly women, youth, and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Despite over two decades of democratic rule since the inception of her 4th Republic in 1999, Nigeria continues to grapple with deep-rooted inequality and exclusion. The principles of citizen participation, equality, and inclusion (which are hallmarks of any vibrant democracy) are still far from being realized. Women, who make up nearly half of the population, remain grossly underrepresented in elected positions. The same holds true for youth and PWDs, who face systemic barriers in political participation, candidate selection, and electoral processes.
The rejection of previous constitutional alteration bills that aimed to advance gender equality sent a disheartening message to millions of Nigerian women in March 2022. However, we see a renewed opportunity in the current constitutional amendment process to address these historic imbalances through bold and inclusive legislation. At the heart of this opportunity is the Special Seats Bill, which proposes reserved legislative seats for women at the state and federal levels. This is not just a bill, it is a national imperative as any democracy that excludes nearly half its population is neither representative nor sustainable.
WIPF calls on the National Assembly, state legislatures, political parties, and all democratic stakeholders to act in the spirit of June 12 by embracing equity and passing the Special Seats Bill into law. This single act would demonstrate a genuine commitment to building a more inclusive Nigeria, a Nigeria where leadership is not defined by gender but by competence and shared national values.
As we celebrate this Democracy Day, we urge Nigerians to remember that democracy is not just about elections. It is about participation, justice, and inclusion. Women are not asking for favors; we need our place in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. The time for rhetoric has passed, now is the time for action.
Long live Nigeria. Long live democracy.
Ebere Ifendu
President, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF)
