Our Numbers Can Get Us There: Why Women Hold the Key to Nigeria’s Democratic
Future
When we talk about political representation and governance in Nigeria, the statistics often tell a discouraging story. Despite making up nearly half of the nation’s population, women hold a remarkably small fraction of elected and appointed offices. But numbers tell another story, too: women are one of the most powerful voting blocs in the country.
In a recent message shared by the Women for 35% Initiative under the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation (AMEF), the initiative’s Treasurer, Ruth Musa Dauda, reminded us of a fundamental truth about democracy:
“We are the ones that have the larger numbers. So if we wish for it to happen, it will happen.”
Her words strike right at the heart of the campaign for 35% affirmative action. Achieving equal representation isn’t just a dream or a political favor—it is a matter of organizing the massive strength that Nigerian women already possess.
The Power of Numerical Strength
Democracy, at its core, is a game of numbers. Women carry immense influence at the ballot box, in grassroots mobilization, and within local communities. Across market associations, professional networks, religious organizations, and local government wards, women are already the operational backbone of society.
However, for far too long, that numerical strength has been leveraged to support political structures that ultimately marginalize female leaders. When election cycles arrive, women are often targeted for votes but sidelined when decisions, nominations, and appointments are made.
The Women for 35% Initiative is changing that narrative. The campaign is actively teaching women across Nigeria that their votes carry real leverage—and that by channeling their collective numbers toward capable, credible female candidates, real progress is inevitable.
Moving Beyond Barriers to Claim Our Seat
The path to 35% affirmative action faces clear challenges:
-
Financial barriers that limit female candidates during primaries.
-
Cultural and institutional stereotypes that discourage women from seeking high office.
-
Political party structures that often fail to offer fair opportunities.
Yet, as Ruth Musa Dauda pointed out, none of these barriers are insurmountable when women stand together. When women realize that their collective voice can determine electoral outcomes, political parties will have no choice but to listen, adapt, and field qualified female candidates.
Her Voice. Her Vote. Our Future.
The journey to 2027 and beyond requires a mindset shift across all sectors of society:
-
Voter Education & Mobilization: Women must get registered, acquire their PVCs, and turn out in high numbers to support leaders who prioritize gender inclusion.
-
Mentorship & Capacity Building: Identifying, preparing, and backing women of integrity, capability, and vision for leadership roles at all levels.
-
Holding the System Accountable: Demanding that political parties move beyond lip service and genuinely enforce policies that support female participation.
Nigeria’s potential will remain incomplete until women take their rightful place at the decision-making table. The strength is there, the vision is clear, and the numbers are on our side.
