In Akwa Ibom State, democracy has marched forward in numbers but limped in balance. Since Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999, the story of women in politics has been one of courage repeatedly dimmed by systemic exclusion. Today, in the 10th National Assembly, not a single Akwa Ibom woman has a seat - a stark silence in Abuja where decisions about education, healthcare, oil revenues, and security are made. In the State House of Assembly, only four women sit among 26 members, barely 15 percent of the legislature.
For a state that prides itself as the “Land of Promise,” this is a troubling contradiction. Promise means possibility, but for women in politics, possibility has been consistently deferred.
*Antecedents: A Pattern Too Familiar*
History bears witness that Akwa Ibom women are not strangers to leadership. The representation of both Senator Eme Ufot Ekaette and Helen Esuene, who represented Akwa Ibom South between 2007 through 2015, left a legacy of impactful representation. At different times, women like Uduakobong Akpabio, Ekaette Ebong, Mabel Udonwo, Alice Ekpenyong, and Grace Ekong also held sway in the State Assembly, contributing to community-driven legislation.
But these victories have been rare and scattered, never consolidated into a culture of strong female political presence. Unlike states such as Anambra, where women like Uche Ekwunife and Stella Oduah have made repeated appearances in national politics, Akwa Ibom’s female representation has remained episodic, fragile, and often tokenistic.
The reasons are entrenched:
*Patriarchal Party Politics:* Party leaders see women as “supporters” rather than contenders.
*Weaponized Financing:* With campaigns monetized, women - who face economic disadvantages - are often outspent before they even start.
*Cultural Stereotypes:* Politics is branded as “dirty,” and women who venture into it are unfairly labeled rather than celebrated.
*Lack of Institutional Quotas:* Unlike Rwanda or South Africa, Nigeria has no binding legal framework to guarantee women’s participation.
*The Lost Benefits of Women’s Exclusion*
What has Akwa Ibom lost by silencing women in its democratic process? The answer is plenty. Research across Africa shows that women in politics champion family-centered and people-focused legislation.
In Rwanda, where women make up over 60% of parliament, maternal health outcomes, child education, and poverty alleviation programs have drastically improved.
In Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s presidency laid a foundation of stability after years of conflict, proving women are nation-builders.
Even in Nigeria, women like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (as Finance Minister) and Oby Ezekwesili (as Education Minister) drove reforms that continue to shape the nation.
Akwa Ibom cannot continue to deny itself these dividends of inclusive governance. When women lead, they broaden perspectives, enrich debates, and prioritize policies that touch the grassroots.
*2027: A Defining Moment*
As 2027 looms, Akwa Ibom has a chance to change course. The upcoming election should not repeat the failures of 2023. Women must be more than voters; they must be leaders, contenders, and winners.
*What Must Be Done:*
1. Political Parties Must Field Women in Winnable Seats. Enough of symbolic tickets in constituencies with no real chance of victory. PDP, APC, YPP, and others must deliberately place women in strongholds.
2. Adopt Internal Gender Quotas. Parties should guarantee at least 30–35% of tickets for women, aligning with the National Gender Policy and UN benchmarks.
3. Campaign Financing Support. Special funding pools and mentorship programs must be created to level the playing field for female aspirants.
4. Civil Society and Faith-Based Advocacy. Women’s groups, churches, and NGOs must actively mobilize communities to support female candidates, countering stereotypes with education and awareness.
5. Media Responsibility. Local media must spotlight women aspirants, not as anomalies, but as serious contenders - shaping perception is half the battle.
*Beyond Numbers: The Call for Quality Representation*
Advocacy for women’s inclusiveness is not just about filling seats. It is about ensuring quality representation - leaders who are competent, visionary, and people-focused. Women must be supported not merely as tokens of gender equality but as transformative leaders capable of reshaping the political and developmental landscape of Akwa Ibom.
A female lawmaker who champions legislation for maternal healthcare, fair oil revenue allocation, or grassroots education reforms is not just advancing women’s interests; she is building a better future for all Akwa Ibomites and other State in Nigeria,
The DG, Founder and National Coordinator of (WOVOV) Women Our Voice Votes for RENEWD HOPE AGENDA Of TINUBU
*Conclusion: The Future Cannot Wait*
The exclusion of women in political leadership is a democratic deficit that must not be repeated in 2027. The state cannot continue to operate with only less than half of its intellectual and leadership capacity engaged in Women,
The message is clear: Women’s our Voice our Votes (WOVOV)are not optional - they are essential. The 2027 elections must mark a turning point where Akwa Ibom rises from rhetoric to reality, from promise to practice with other state,
Let history not record that in the Land of Promise, women were denied their share of the promise.
“When women are at the table, communities thrive. When they are excluded, democracy suffers. Akwa Ibom and State in Nigerian must choose wisely in 2027.”
Dr Mary Mena Akpoguma PhD,
DG, Founder National Coordinator Women Our Voice Votes in 2027,
God bless Women of Times
*Pst. Prince Micah Bassey DG, Founder National Coordinator BUSINESSMEN COALITION SUPPORT GROUP FOR TINUBU AKPAIBIO/UNOH ENO
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