Labour Party Will Keep Pushing for More Women in Politics – Nenadi Usman

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to advancing greater inclusion of women in Nigeria’s political and governance space.

Usman made the declaration on Friday in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria League of Women Voters, Kaduna State Chapter, during a courtesy visit.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Rekiya Shonekan praised the Labour Party chairman for her contributions to politics and governance, while urging her to support ongoing advocacy for the proposed Special Seats Bill aimed at increasing women’s representation in parliament.

The group also appealed for continued backing for women empowerment programmes and broader efforts to make Nigeria’s political environment more inclusive.

Responding, Senator Usman commended the women’s group for sustaining advocacy for gender inclusion despite what she described as difficult political realities and intimidation.

She said the Labour Party has consistently demonstrated commitment to inclusion, noting that the party currently has women occupying key national leadership positions, including National Chairman, National Organising Secretary, and National Legal Adviser.

According to her, the party also made history by producing the first female national chairman of a major political party in Nigeria.

“The Labour Party does not just preach inclusion; we practise it,” she said, assuring the delegation that the party would continue to support initiatives aimed at increasing women participation in politics.

While supporting affirmative action, Usman urged women to become more politically assertive and not rely solely on special quotas before seeking leadership positions.

Drawing from her personal experience, she said she rose in politics without waiting for concessions.

“If I could do it, you too can do it,” she told the delegation.

The Labour Party chairman, however, expressed concern over what she described as declining female representation in governance, noting that while there were eight female senators during the 7th National Assembly, the current Senate has only three women.

She described the situation as a major setback for gender inclusion in Nigeria.

Usman also challenged women voters to support female candidates during elections, lamenting that women often fail to mobilise behind their own during electoral contests.

“Even when statistics show that women voters outnumber men during elections, women candidates are often sidelined by fellow women at the polls,” she said.

She urged women groups to intensify sensitisation campaigns and encourage solidarity among female voters, stressing that supporting women candidates would strengthen the struggle for broader representation.

The Labour Party chairman also praised Alex Otti for what she described as his strong belief in women leadership and inclusion.

Recalling events leading to her emergence as substantive chairman of the party, Usman said she became emotional when Governor Otti insisted she remain in office instead of handing over to a male successor.

“When I was going to Umuahia for our last convention, I thought I would hand over to a man. I shed tears when Otti insisted that I should remain,” she said.

She described the governor’s appointments in Abia State as evidence of inclusive governance and urged women to support the Labour Party in future elections.