As the world marked International Women’s Day, the duo of Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, used the occasion to spotlight the challenges faced by women in leadership with the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan taking center stage in their reflections.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, Obi painted a sobering picture of the realities Nigerian women face.
He described a nation where women, despite their resilience, remain trapped in cycles of poverty and lack access to basic healthcare, education, and security.
The former Anambra State governor noted that girls make up the majority of the millions of children currently out of school in Nigeria, while women are disproportionately affected by violence, abductions, and insecurity.
On the political front, he described the system as a “brutal reality for women” that not only resists their inclusion but actively works to push them out.
He cited the cases of Senators Ireti Kingibe and Akpoti-Uduaghan as examples of women who, despite their electoral victories, continue to face systemic hostility and discrimination.
Obi called for immediate action and urged the Nigerian government to implement policies ensuring a minimum of 25% female representation across all arms of government and aggressive investment in girl-child education, particularly in underserved areas.
He wrote: “The time to act is now. Women are the backbone of our society, and the progress of our nation depends on ensuring they have equal opportunities to shape our collective future.”
Atiku echoed these sentiments with a statement issued on X.
He expressed his appreciation for the “resilient, hardworking, and courageous women of Nigeria” and their indispensable roles in nation-building.
However, his message also carried a tone of concern over what he described as ongoing attempts to suppress women’s voices in leadership.
The former Vice President pointed directly to the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan and called it an unfortunate example of the suppression of women’s participation in governance.
“In a democratic society, attempts to silence the voices of women in leadership undermine the principles of fairness, representation, and gender inclusivity.
“Women must be encouraged and empowered to participate fully in governance, not stifled when they dare to lead,” he wrote.
He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting and advancing women’s rights in Nigeria, stating, “A nation can only progress when its women are given the space and opportunity to thrive.”
Source: Ripples