Young Nigerian women want to go into politics - party rules and older men keep them out
Young women in Nigeria face significant barriers to political participation due to entrenched party rules and the influence of older male 'godfathers.' Despite legislative efforts like the 'Not Too Young to Run' law, women remain severely underrepresented in elected positions.
Why it matters
This addresses the systemic exclusion of youth and women from political power in Africa's most populous nation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Women and young people are grossly underrepresented in Nigeria’s politics. Fatima Yusuf/Pexels Young Nigerian women want to go into politics – party rules and older men keep them out Published: August 2, 2026 4:07am EDT https://theconversation.com/young-nigerian-women-want-to-go-into-politics-party-rules-and-older-men-keep-them-out-286833 https://theconversation.com/young-nigerian-women-want-to-go-into-politics-party-rules-and-older-men-keep-them-out-286833 Link copied Share article Share article
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Nigerians will return to the polls in 2027. Campaigns will commence, crowds will fill the streets for party rallies, but the most consequential decisions about the elections are already happening. They are taking place in party offices, at the homes of powerful political godfathers, and in selection processes that most Nigerians never attend and sometimes don’t hear about.
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