Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has renewed calls for stronger female representation in politics, urging men to deliberately create space for women to participate meaningfully in governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on women’s political participation,
Otti stressed that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without the active inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making processes. He called on men occupying political spaces to support women by stepping aside where necessary and ensuring they are not excluded from opportunities to serve.
The governor expressed concern over the low number of women in elective and appointive positions across the country, describing the imbalance as a major setback for democratic growth.
He noted that women have consistently demonstrated competence, resilience, and leadership capacity in both public and private sectors and should be given equal chances to contribute to governance.
Otti also urged the Abia State House of Assembly and other political stakeholders to create policies and structures that would improve female representation, particularly in legislative positions. According to him, gender inclusion should move beyond rhetoric and become a practical commitment reflected in political appointments, party structures, and electoral opportunities.
He further emphasized that the journey toward inclusive governance requires collective responsibility, adding that men must become active allies in breaking long-standing barriers that limit women’s political advancement.
The renewed advocacy comes as conversations around women’s reserved seats and broader constitutional reforms continue to gain momentum nationwide, with stakeholders pushing for stronger legislative support ahead of the 2027 polls. Similar concerns have also been raised by civil society groups and development partners calling for deliberate reforms to improve women’s political representation across Nigeria.
Sheroes Editorial
