To promote gender diversity in Nigeria’s political sphere, Toun Sonaiya, the Chief Executive Officer of Women Radio 91.7, has urged state governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to include at least one female candidate among the three nominees they submit for ministerial appointments to the incoming administration.
This call comes as discussions about the composition of the incoming administration continue.
In previous administrations, the APC has faced criticism for not appointing enough women, with only seven out of 43 ministerial positions in the current administration held by women.
Sonaiya emphasized the importance of women being represented at the highest levels of government in a statement on Sunday.
She noted that women have consistently been underrepresented in political appointments despite making up a significant portion of the population.
She said, “Responsibility for ministerial appointments lies not only with President-elect H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu but also with the governors of respective All Progressives Congress (APC) states, who are putting forward names for nomination.
“One female nomination per three nominees by governors, APC chairmen and leadership in non-APC states would translate to approximately 35% in accordance with the affirmative action and bridge the vacuum created in 2023 elective positions.”
She further argued that having more women in leadership positions would not only promote gender equality but also lead to more diverse and effective decision-making.
“Competent and capable women politicians and female technocrats hail from all Nigerian states and every man and woman should play a part in rebuilding the socio-economic fabric of our beloved country. Only when men and women lead together can Nigeria progress,” she added.