APGA Advocates Greater Inclusion of Women in Politics, Governance at National Summit

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has renewed its call for increased participation of women in politics and governance, urging political leaders, institutions and stakeholders to remove barriers preventing women from taking active leadership roles across the country.

The appeal was made during the party’s National Women’s Summit held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The summit, themed “Advancing Women’s Inclusion in Politics and Governance,” brought together women leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations and gender advocates to discuss practical strategies for improving women’s representation in public office.

Speaking on behalf of the National Leader of APGA and Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, described women’s participation in governance as essential for national development. He noted that excluding women from decision making weakens democracy and stressed that meaningful progress can only be achieved when women are fully involved in leadership.

Declaring the summit open, APGA National Chairman, Chief Sly Ezeokenwa, said the gathering was organised to promote inclusive governance and address the persistent underrepresentation of women in political leadership. He maintained that empowering women is not merely a gender issue but a national development priority that benefits the entire country.

Also speaking, APGA National Woman Leader, Mrs. Lizzy Nwokeocha, said the challenges facing women in politics transcend party affiliations and require collective efforts to overcome. She called for a political environment that provides equal opportunities for women and encourages more female participation in leadership.

Participants identified inadequate funding, cultural and societal barriers, political violence, and unfavourable party nomination processes as major obstacles limiting women’s political advancement. They advocated the full implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action policy, the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, constitutional and electoral reforms, stronger mentorship programmes, and increased financial support for aspiring female politicians.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by APGA to strengthen internal policies that promote women’s leadership and participation as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.