By Joseph Iyalla (Politics Reporter)
On the occasion of the International Women's Day, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has declared that the commission is strongly committed to gender inclusion.
Bellow is his address on the occassion.
"OPENING REMARKS BY the HONOURABLE CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), PROF. JOASH O. AMUPITAN, SAN AT THE 2026 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT THE INEC HEADQUARTERS ON TUESDAY, 10TH MARCH 2026.
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"Honourable National Commissioners Secretary to the Commission Technical Aides to Chairman Directors and other senior officials of the Commission Members of the INEC Press Corps Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
1.It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity for reflection and renewal. Across the world, the day serves as a reminder of the progress made in advancing the rights and participation of women, while also drawing attention to the work that still lies ahead.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain: Advancing Women Leadership for Inclusive Progress,” is particularly significant. It reminds us that societies and institutions thrive when women are empowered to participate fully in leadership and decision-making. Indeed, experience across nations has shown that inclusive leadership produces stronger institutions, more balanced policies and more sustainable outcomes.
For us at INEC, gender inclusion is not mere rhetoric; it is a commitment we deliberately pursue. As the institution responsible for managing Nigeria’s electoral process, we recognise that credibility, trust and legitimacy in democratic governance are strengthened when all segments of society, including women, are adequately represented.
I am pleased to state that the Commission continues to set an example in this regard. Today, women hold several key leadership roles within the Commission and are making significant contributions to fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities. At the national level, the Commission has two female National Commissioners as well as a female Secretary, the administrative head of the institution. At the state level, we currently have six female Resident Electoral Commissioners and eight female Administrative Secretaries providing leadership and oversight.
Within the Commission’s management structure, 10 out of the 23 Directors are women, representing over 43 per cent of the Director cadre. In the field offices, 218 out of the 774 Electoral Officers across the country are women who, on a daily basis, manage the Commission’s operations at the Local Government level. These women, working alongside their male counterparts, are contributing in no small measure to the growth, efficiency and credibility of the Commission. Their dedication and professionalism continue to demonstrate that leadership thrives when opportunities are open to all.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the Commission has also taken deliberate institutional steps to further strengthen gender mainstreaming within its operations. As part of these efforts, INEC established a Gender and Inclusivity Department in April 2021, to provide strategic direction for policies and programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusive participation in the electoral process.
In addition, given my personal commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusive governance, I have also appointed a Special Assistance on Gender and Inclusivity, in the person of Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar Talba, to support the Commission in driving this important agenda. These initiatives reflect our determination to ensure that gender considerations remain at the forefront of the Commission’s institutional development and electoral management processes.
While we are encouraged by the progress recorded within the Commission, we have to confront the rising tide of gender-based disinformation and digital violence. As we head toward 2027, the Commission is aware that female candidates are disproportionately targeted by online harassment and fake news designed to suppress their ambition. We are, therefore, using the occasion of the International Women's Day 2026 to send a strong message to the peddlers of such toxicity. The electoral space must be a sanctuary for ideas, not a battlefield of gender-targeted character assassination.
We must also recognise that much more remains to be done, particularly within the broader political space. The participation of women in elective positions in Nigeria still falls short of expectations. Democracy is strengthened when women participate not only as voters but also as candidates, party leaders, legislators and decision-makers. Therefore, I would like to use this opportunity to encourage women across the country to dare to step forward and take up leadership responsibilities. I urge more women to contest for elective positions at all levels, from local government councils to state assemblies, the National Assembly and beyond. Leadership should not be viewed as the preserve of a few; it should reflect the diversity and strength of our society.
To the political parties, the Commission, which is your regulator and a custodian of our democratic integrity, believes it is no longer enough to offer free nomination forms to women while maintaining glass ceilings in your inner caucuses. Under the Electoral Act 2026 and our new Guidelines, INEC will be scrutinising the inclusivity of party primaries like never before. A primary that systematically excludes women is a primary that fails the test of our new regulatory standards. There must be internal democracy that caters to women too.
For its part, INEC will continue to mainstream gender considerations in its policies, programmes and operations. The Commission will also continue to support advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women’s participation in leadership and governance.
To the women of INEC, I commend your professionalism, resilience and dedication to service. Your contributions continue to strengthen the Commission and enhance the credibility of the electoral process in Nigeria. I also wish to appreciate the Gender and Inclusivity Department for organising this event and for its sustained efforts in promoting gender-responsive policies within the Commission.
On this note, it is my pleasure to formally declare the 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration of the Independent National Electoral Commission open. God bless the esteemed, elegant, beautiful and dutiful women of the Commission, God bless the Independent National Electoral Commission and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you. NNL.
