Mrs. Ebere Ifendu, a renowned Party Management Strategist and President of the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), has strongly advocated for the implementation of reserved seats for women in governance, describing it as a transformative policy that will benefit Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure, and democratic development.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Ifendu emphasized that the time is right for Nigeria to adopt affirmative action through constitutional reforms to ensure increased women representation in politics.

“It’s the right thing to do. It will help our economy. It will help build infrastructure. It will introduce different dynamics into governance. Nigerians—and Nigeria as a country—will benefit from it,” she stated.

Ifendu noted that over 40 African countries have already adopted affirmative action as a state policy, citing Rwanda as a leading example of success.

“After the genocide, Rwanda implemented special measures to include more women in governance, and today, the country is celebrated globally for its inclusive political system,” she said.

She affirmed that key stakeholders across the country are beginning to pay attention to the advocacy. “The legislators are listening. The National Assembly, the State Assemblies, the governors—even Mr. President is listening. Everyone, is paying attention,” she added.

According to her, there is now growing support even from male legislators, some of whom are championing the cause of women’s political inclusion at the Senate and House of Representatives levels.

“This shows they’re beginning to understand. They have daughters and women around them who want to participate in governance,” she said.

“Why train your daughter, give her the best education, and then sideline her simply because she’s a woman?”Ifendu revealed that the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which was once devoid of female representation due to its party-based structure, now has three women members representing major political parties including the PDP and APC.

She also highlighted that IPAC has established a Gender Agenda Directorate focused on promoting women’s political participation and has agreed for the first time to adopt a constitution that supports gender inclusion.

“Over 90% of political parties are already amending their constitutions to create space for women. But we need the national constitution to make it binding on all political parties,” she stated.

On the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ifendu said the electoral body is prepared to enforce compliance once the constitution is amended.

“INEC has said that once the constitution is amended, they will ensure that by the 2027 elections, political parties comply with the gender inclusion requirement. This was exactly what happened in Sierra Leone,” she explained.

While acknowledging the initial resistance due to religious and cultural concerns, Ifendu insisted that legislation can override such barriers.

“When we started the bill that is now an act, it felt like a taboo. But today, even states that were expected to resist it have signed it into law and are implementing it. We expect the same success with affirmative action,” she concluded.

Ifendu called on all stakeholders to support the constitutional amendment and ensure that women have not only the right to vote but also a real chance to be voted for in future elections.