Zainab Ibrahim Advocates for Women’s Political Representation in Nigeria

Zainab Ibrahim, the Deputy National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizes the importance of the twinning formula as a pivotal strategy to boost female involvement in Nigerian politics. During a recent media interaction in Abuja, she discussed how this approach can significantly enhance representation.

Understanding the Twinning Formula

The twinning formula mandates that specific political positions, such as vice presidents and deputy governors, be filled by women. Ibrahim identifies this policy as a straightforward solution, referring to it as the “lowest hanging fruit” for promoting political inclusion.

A Call for Implementation within the APC

If the APC had implemented this model, Ibrahim believes that there could currently be 24 female deputy governors across the states it governs. “Every governor that assures us his deputy will be a woman, every local government chairman who makes the same pledge, we will give him our 100% support,” she asserted.

She further explained that this approach does not necessitate national legislative changes; rather, it can be adopted as a party policy.

Global Precedents

Ibrahim drew parallels with countries like Gambia, where the ruling party successfully established a similar policy. She pointed out that other African nations, such as Namibia and Rwanda, have achieved substantial female representation, with women holding up to 50% of positions through comparable measures.

Success Stories at the Local Level

She cited former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s initiative, where all local government vice chairpersons were women, highlighting its success as evidence of the model’s effectiveness in Nigeria.

Advocacy Beyond the APC

Aside from her role within the APC, Ibrahim is active at a national level as the Deputy National Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). She leads the Women Directorate, collaborating with women leaders across all registered political parties in Nigeria to promote broader inclusion and the twinning formula.

“My responsibility is not only to APC women, but to every female member across political parties in Nigeria. Together, we are working hand-in-hand to ensure that the twinning formula and broader inclusion become a reality,” she reiterated.

Looking Ahead

Ibrahim expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would endorse the twinning model, noting such support could mobilize unprecedented enthusiasm among Nigerian women. Her advocacy aims not only at increased representation but also at fostering a political climate that champions female leadership.