Lessons for Nigeria on political inclusion
Nigeria has been holding national elections since 1923—103 years ago. However, it wasn’t until 1979 that the country adopted universal adult suffrage. This meant that all adults, irrespective of gender, status, ethnicity and religious persuasion, could vote once they were at least 18 years old and registered with the electoral management body. Over time, it became apparent that, although the voting franchise had been extended to all adults, representation in governance structures, whether in the executive or legislative arm, remained male-dominated, with severe restrictions on participation by women, youths and persons with disabilities. According to UN Women, as of February 2024, only 3.9 per cent of seats in parliament were held by women. Nigeria has not elected a female president, vice president or governor in its more than 100 years of electoral democracy. Statistics on the representation of youths aged 18–35 and persons with disabilities are equally depressing. Not even th...