The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in Adamawa State has appealed to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other political leaders to address the low level of women’s representation in elective political positions across the state.
The state coordinator of the group, Rebecca Kwabe, made the appeal during an interview in Yola on Saturday.
Kwabe praised the governor for appointing women into key leadership roles, including the deputy governor position and vice-chairmanship roles in the 21 local government areas.
She also commended the emergence of female candidates for the House of Representatives during the recently concluded party primaries.
However, she expressed concern over the declining number of women securing elective offices in recent elections.
She noted that while the state once produced three female senators, current political participation trends show a significant drop in women’s electoral success.
Kwabe also pointed out that none of the six female aspirants who participated in the recent House of Assembly primaries under the APC secured party tickets.
She called on political leaders, families and young people to support greater fairness and inclusion for women in governance, stressing that women remain key contributors to national development.
According to her, increased participation of women in decision-making positions would strengthen governance at both state and local levels.
Also speaking, the Adamawa Coordinator of Reserved Seats Advocacy, Arziki Sawa, commended ongoing efforts by the federal government to improve women’s political participation.
Sawa said the proposed reserved seats legislation currently before the National Assembly could significantly improve female representation if passed.
She noted that the sponsorship of the bill by a male legislator reflects growing support for gender inclusion initiatives.
Sawa urged lawmakers to prioritise and pass the bill before the end of the current legislative term.
She also encouraged women to remain active in politics despite challenges and continue to contest elective positions.
Similarly, a House of Assembly aspirant for Guyuk Constituency, Jumai Windibiziri, called for a review of grievances arising from the recent party primaries.
She said female aspirants were dissatisfied with the outcome, as none of the women who contested secured nomination tickets.
Windibiziri added that affected women had begun consultations with relevant authorities, alleging unfair treatment during the selection process.
The appeal was reiterated as women stakeholders continue to push for improved political representation and inclusion in Adamawa State.