22/09/2026
Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) held a press conference in Abuja on 17th September, 2026, themed “Beyond Participation: Amplifying Women Candidates, Advancing Political Leadership and Building an Inclusive Nigeria for 2027.” During which gender advocates drew attention to the barriers standing between women and political leadership.
INEC’s final National Assembly candidate lists show 443 women among 4,408 candidates contesting the 469 Senate and House seats in 2027, about 10.1%. This includes 115 women contesting Senate seats and 328 contesting House seats. While the absolute number is higher than the 380 women recorded in 2023, women remain a small minority of the candidate field.
But behind those numbers are barriers that begin long before election day: The cost of politics. Limited campaign financing. Political violence. Weak access to established networks. Party gatekeeping. And unequal media visibility.
For many women, the first battle is not winning the election. It is securing the ticket. It is getting onto the ballot. It is being seen as a serious political actor.
That is why GSAI is calling for a more intentional partnership with the media.
The media is not merely a channel for reporting elections. It is a critical democratic institution that helps shape who citizens see, hear and understand.
Women candidates deserve coverage that goes beyond identity.
And political parties must also take responsibility by creating nomination processes that are more open, inclusive and accessible to women.
The goal is not simply to put more women on the ballot. It is to build a political system where capable women have a fair opportunity to reach the ballot, compete, be heard, be elected and lead.
GenderEquity
