President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has attributed the low representation of women in Nigerian politics to insufficient support from women voters for female candidates. He made the remark on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the European Union Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Mr. David McAllister, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Akpabio noted that although women constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s voting population, they rarely back female contenders during elections, resulting in persistently low gender representation in parliament.
“Women often vote for male candidates, making it difficult for female candidates to win elections,” he said.
Nigeria currently has only four women among 109 senators and 17 women among 360 House of Representatives members — a figure that has remained largely unchanged for nearly 20 years. Akpabio expressed concern that Nigeria ranks among the lowest in Africa in terms of women’s legislative inclusion.
However, he revealed that the National Assembly is exploring constitutional amendments and policy reformsaimed at improving women’s participation in governance. He also pledged readiness to collaborate with advocacy groups, including the Black Women’s Forum, to promote gender inclusion in decision-making.
The EU delegation, which included Ambassador Greta Mylott, said the visit was aimed at strengthening diplomatic and development partnerships with Nigeria. McAllister reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria, especially in addressing security, climate change, and economic challenges.
“The EU is committed to supporting Nigeria’s development efforts,” McAllister said.
The visit forms part of a broader West African engagement ahead of the International Islamic Conference on Security and Governance in West Africa and the Sahel, scheduled for November 4, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission.
Akpabio expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would lead to tangible outcomes, emphasizing Nigeria’s willingness to deepen cooperation with the EU in peace, trade, and governance.
