The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has demanded a minimum of 25% representation of women in all decision-making bodies.
He made the assertion in a statement via his X handle on Saturday in commemoration of the International Women’s Day.
According to the former Anambra State Governor, “women in Nigeria who have shown enormous resilience remain trapped in cycles of poverty, with limited access to basic healthcare marked by low neonatal care high infant mortality, education, and other essential services. Among the millions of out-of-school children, girls account for the majority.
“They continue to bear the brunt of the rising insecurity as they are disproportionately affected by violence, abductions, and other forms of insecurity.” he said.
He established that despite the critical contributions of Nigerian women in the society, they only account for 6% of leadership positions in the private sector, while political representation continues to decline, reaching its lowest point after the 2023 elections.
Citing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Ireti Kingibe as examples of few women who broke the barrier to secure positions of power, he stated that despite their electoral victories, they continue to face the harshest forms of discrimination and hostility in the public space
“These examples lay bare the brutal reality for women in politics—a system that not only resists their inclusion but actively works to push them out.
“Without affirmative action to guarantee a minimum of 25% representation in all decision-making bodies—across all arms of government, both elective and appointive women will remain excluded. The same principle should apply in the corporate world and other areas of our national livelihood.
“Aggressive investment in girl-child education—particularly in educationally disadvantaged areas—is essential if we are to break these cycles of inequality and underdevelopment.
“I continue to advocate for women because of the critical role they play in family and national development.
“The time to act is now. Women are the backbone of our society, and the progress of our nation depends on ensuring they have equal opportunities to shape our collective future.” he wrote.