A Statistical Evaluation of Women Participation and Access to Resources in Elections in Nigeria

Publication Date : 01/10/2021

Author(s) :

Izomo Edogiawerie Julius, Ogiugo Gregory Osariemen .

Volume/Issue :

Volume 1

Issue 1

(10 - 2021)

Abstract :

This paper examined the trend in Nigeria’s electoral process since 1999-2019 with statistical data obtained from the Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria ( INEC ).Statistics of women participation and access to funding in elections in Nigeria reveals a decline in participation of women in politics majorly seeking for elective positions which is attributed to lack of financial resources .An update of the 2019 General elections in Nigeria shows that 62 women were elected into elective positions across the Nation out of 2970 who contested for different political offices. A breakdown of the figures given by INEC shows that 7 women were elected into the Senate and 11 into the House of Representatives in the 2019 General elections as against 8 in the Senate and 14 in the House of Representatives in 2015. This data indicates 4.17% women’s representation in the 2019 General elections contrary to 5.65% elected in the 2015 General elections. This paper identifies one major challenge which is the issue of lack of finance and if not addressed there will be likelihood of further decline in the 2023 upcoming elections. With adequate funding more women will be encouraged to participate actively in the electoral process and seek elective positions.