Barriers and Opportunities for Women in Nigerian Politics

Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru, a politician who contested for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, provides valuable insights into the systemic challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics. In a recent interview, she addressed issues ranging from financial constraints to the need for genuine political engagement.

Challenges to Women’s Political Participation

Women’s involvement in politics is hampered by a multitude of factors, many of which are deeply interwoven. Among the most significant barriers are:

• Patriarchal Traditions: Long-standing cultural norms that often prioritize male leadership.
• Economic Inequities: A lack of financial resources necessary for political campaigning and entry.
• Limited Access: Systematic barriers that restrict pathways into political power.

Majekodunmi-Oniru emphasizes that Nigerian politics has become a game primarily for the wealthiest individuals, rather than a true platform for serving the populace. The financial and personal risks involved deter many women, particularly those fulfilling familial roles.

Party Structures and Gender Inclusion

Despite political parties ostensibly supporting gender inclusion, their internal frameworks often favor male dominance. Olatorera recounts her own experiences during the 2023 primaries, highlighting irregularities that unfairly disadvantaged female candidates. She pointed out that even those women who were well-received by the electorate faced significant hurdles, with no female candidates winning at the general election level.

She advocates for fundamental changes: “Political parties must eradicate all forms of manipulative practices and ensure that merit, rather than financial power, dictates election outcomes.”

The Need for Merit-Based Leadership

Majekodunmi-Oniru posits that the focus should not solely be on the number of women in positions of power but rather on the quality and integrity of leadership. She stresses that leadership must transcend gender, emphasizing the importance of ethics, accountability, and the overall impact of governance.

“We must not merely strive for inclusiveness but aim to elevate leadership standards across all demographics,” she stated, calling for a shift towards merit-based evaluations in political appointments.

Financial Barriers to Entry

The exorbitant costs associated with contesting elections in Nigeria are formidable barriers for many potential female candidates. Candidates often face enormous expenses from nominations to campaign logistics, which disproportionately affects women who may lack substantial financial backing.

“Expecting visionary candidates to compete on financial terms only reinforces a transactional rather than transformational political culture,” Majekodunmi-Oniru cautions. This environment not only discourages qualified candidates from participating but also perpetuates the cycle of corruption that undermines true democracy.

Addressing Political Violence

Political violence poses a significant deterrent to female engagement in politics. Majekodunmi-Oniru notes that many women, often seen as nurturers, are naturally hesitant to engage in a landscape marked by violence and intimidation.

She advocates for community-led initiatives aimed at ensuring safer electoral processes. “We must insist on stringent enforcement of electoral laws and utilize technology for transparency,” she states.

Systemic and Cultural Barriers

While the Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly prohibit women from political participation, systemic issues—such as cultural biases and unequal access to education—remain prevalent. Majekodunmi-Oniru argues for a re-engineering of societal mindsets through education and civic engagement, stressing the need for more inclusive practices in governance.

Future Aspirations and Commitment to Change

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Majekodunmi-Oniru remains dedicated to promoting transformative leadership in Nigeria. She aims to mobilize citizens toward advocating for ethical governance and accountability, while simultaneously mentoring aspiring leaders to foster a new generation invested in national progress.

“Our collective time is now; it is time to act,” she emphasized, urging the need for a politically engaged citizenry that values integrity over wealth.