Groups seek affirmative action in upcoming elections

The Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations and the Gombe Women Agenda have jointly called on political parties in Gombe State to adopt affirmative action policies and support special seats for women ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a joint press statement issued by the groups, they urged political actors to demonstrate “bold leadership and commitment to gender justice, equity, and inclusive governance,” stressing that women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership despite their contributions to development.

The statement, which was signed by Ibrahim Yusuf on behalf of GONET and Dr. Leah Iliya-Jalo for the Gombe Women Agenda reminded that women constituted nearly half of the population yet they continue to face systemic barriers that limit their participation in politics.

“Despite constituting nearly half of the population and playing critical roles in community development, women in Gombe State remain grossly underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making positions,” the statement read.

According to the groups, the underrepresentation is not due to a lack of competence or interest but rather, the result of “deep-rooted structural, cultural, and financial barriers embedded within political systems and party processes.”

They emphasised that affirmative action and the proposed special seats for women should not be seen as privileges but as necessary corrective measures.

“Affirmative action and the proposed special seats for women are not privileges; rather, they are corrective and transformative measures designed to address historical injustices, provide level the playing field, and ensure that women’s voices are meaningfully represented in governance,” the statement added.

GONET and GWA further argued that inclusive governance is essential for a functioning democracy, warning that excluding women limits development outcomes.

“A truly democratic society must reflect the diversity of its people. Without the active inclusion of women in leadership, governance remains incomplete,” they pointed out.

This the groups called on political parties to adopt concrete measures, including reserving a significant proportion of party tickets for women, reducing or waiving nomination fees, and creating internal party structures that support female participation.

They also urged parties to publicly endorse the Special Seats for Women Bill, describing it as “a strategic pathway to accelerate women’s representation in legislative bodies.”

Highlighting the broader benefits of gender inclusion, the groups said increased women participation in governance would lead to more responsive policymaking and improved focus on social sectors.

“Increasing women’s representation leads to more responsive and inclusive policymaking, improved attention to education, healthcare, and social welfare, as well as stronger community development and peacebuilding outcomes,” the statement noted.

The organisations described the 2027 elections as a critical opportunity for political parties in the state to move beyond rhetoric and take measurable steps toward inclusion.

“The 2027 elections present a defining moment for political parties in Gombe State to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete, measurable steps toward gender inclusion,” they said.

The communique urged party leaders and stakeholders to act decisively, emphasising that the future of inclusive governance depends on present actions.

“The future of inclusive governance in Gombe State depends on the actions taken today,” the statement stressed.

Reaffirming their commitment, GONET and GWA pledged to continue advocacy and engagement to ensure women were not only included but empowered.

“When women have equitable access to elective and appointive positions, democracy thrives. When women lead, the impact spreads, and the state thrives,” the statement concluded.