Figures published by Leadership show that women account for only 443 of the 4,408 candidates cleared for Nigeria’s 2027 National Assembly elections.
Of 1,195 Senate candidates, 115 are women, while 328 women are among the 3,213 candidates contesting House of Representatives seats.
The figures put female representation at roughly 10 per cent before voting begins, highlighting how candidate selection remains a major barrier to gender balance in federal politics.
Punch provided independent corroboration, reporting that “final list of candidates”. A second sufficiently independent credible report was not located during this review, so further confirmation remains limited.
Echotitbits take: The imbalance begins at nomination, so any serious gender-inclusion strategy must address party recruitment, campaign financing and winnable-ticket allocation.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/09/2027-women-make-up-just-9-of-1303-candidates-on-inecs-final-senate-list/, September 14, 2026
Photo Credit: UN Women
