UN Women warned that women make up just 9.7 % of all candidates contesting the 2027 general elections in Nigeria and unveiled the #VoteHer2027 campaign in Abuja, urging the electorate to evaluate contenders on competence, integrity and policy proposals instead of gender.
The agency highlighted three stark facts: only 9.7 % of the candidate pool are women; even if every female candidate were to win, women would still fall far short of equal representation; and the current gap contradicts Nigeria’s own constitutional and international commitments to gender parity.
"Women must have a fair chance to help shape the laws, policies and priorities that govern their lives and communities," the statement said, underscoring that political inclusion is a matter of fairness, equal rights and social justice.
What does the #VoteHer2027 campaign involve?
The initiative will roll out a multi‑platform outreach, including radio dramas, social‑media bursts and partnerships with media houses. A flagship programme called NO BE BY GENDER – an issue‑based radio drama and expert call‑in show – will air on the Radio Nigeria Network, using relatable stories to expose stereotypes and cultural barriers that deter support for women leaders.
Which policies back women’s political participation?
UN Women reminded audiences that Nigeria has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol and the Beijing Platform for Action. Domestically, the National Gender Policy sets affirmative‑action targets of 30‑50 % female representation in decision‑making bodies, yet the current 9.7 % candidacy rate shows a wide implementation gap.
How is the campaign addressing media bias?
UN Women will engage journalists and media partners to ensure balanced coverage of female candidates, urging reporters to apply the same level of scrutiny to women as to men and to avoid narratives that reinforce gender stereotypes. The agency also calls on political leaders, traditional rulers, civil‑society groups, influencers and community stakeholders to intensify advocacy against gender‑based discrimination in the electoral process.
Why is voter behaviour crucial?
The organization warned that if voters allow prejudice to dictate their choices, Nigeria risks deepening its gender imbalance in governance, undermining inclusive democratic representation. By voting based on a candidate’s ideas, track record and capacity to address national challenges, the electorate can help close the representation gap and honour the country’s legal and moral commitments to gender equality.
The #VoteHer2027 drive arrives as public debate intensifies around how Nigeria can translate its constitutional and international pledges into tangible political participation for women ahead of the 2027 elections.