Sowore Urges Nigerian Women to Demand Equal Political Representation

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerian women to resist political marginalization and stop being used as tools in the political space.

In an interview with Platinum TV, Sowore stressed that despite their huge contribution to elections, women remain grossly underrepresented in leadership. He highlighted that women make up about 51% of Nigeria’s voting population, yet their numbers in the National Assembly do not reflect this demographic strength.

“There are 51% of women voting in an election; why can’t we have 51% of them in the Senate?” Sowore asked. “Women should be represented in the same proportion as their population. They should not be oppressed or relegated.”

He further challenged women to go beyond symbolic roles in politics, urging them to assert themselves as equals to men.

“Women must stop playing second fiddle to men. Stop being the ones politicians put in party clothes, the ones dancing at rallies, or sweeping the venue after the event,” Sowore stated. “You are equal to men and must take your rightful place in leadership.”

His remarks have reignited conversations on women’s participation in politics, with many observers agreeing that democracy cannot flourish without gender balance in governance.