WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS: NOW NOT LATER

Abstract

This paper canverses the inclusion of the womenfolk in Nigerian political space and project their relevance in the Nigerian political trajectories as a nation state. Women have been excluded from active politics in Nigeria since independence by successive government. Rather than compete with men on the political turf, they have been compelled to accept certain affirmative percentage in appointment into political offices. However, being given affirmative percentage is not the same as active participation in the Nigerian political arrangement where women should compete with men for elective positions. Relying on Sotunsa’s Iwalewa Obirin indigenous feminist theory, the researchers establish the fact that except thoroughbred responsible women of sterling character join the political fray, women would continue to play the second fiddle to men especially in serious decision making that touches their very existence. It is, therefore, suggested that rather than settle for political appointments, women should take up the gauntlet by contesting and winning elections so as to contribute positively to nation building. The paper concludes that women’s mobilization and active participation in politics are panaceas for peace, progress and national cohesion in Nigeria.