A report on the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states has revealed that out of 51 candidates, only three are women. The report, titled ‘The 2023 Off-cycle Elections: Evaluating Gender Representation Before the Vote,’ was unveiled by the Civil Society Organisation ElectHER.

The report expressed disappointment with the limited number of women participating in the elections and highlighted the lack of emphasis on bolstering women’s political engagement. It noted that efforts by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and development partners to advance women’s participation at the federal level are not adequately reflected at the sub-national levels.

During a press conference in Abuja, the founder and CEO of ElectHER, Ibijoke Faborode, emphasized the need to enhance women’s involvement in politics and governance. Faborode stressed that discussions about women’s participation should go beyond superficial exchanges and called for improved consideration to ensure that women are pushed forward as candidates.

She stated, “There is a need for improved consideration in ensuring that women are pushed forward as candidates. One information we could not access despite all the efforts is the number of female aspirants. Elections produce leaders. When we don’t have women playing at this level, we limit the extent to which we can grow and develop as a country."