The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 10, with a strong focus on institutionalizing women’s leadership and fostering inclusivity within Nigeria’s electoral framework.
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‎The event, hosted at the Commission’s headquarters, was held under the theme Give to Gain: Advancing Women Leadership for Inclusive Progress.
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The theme underscored a core philosophy adopted by the Commission, that institutional strength is directly linked to the breadth of opportunities provided to all personnel, regardless of gender.
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‎In his address, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, emphasized that gender inclusion is a deliberate strategy rather than a symbolic gesture.
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He stated that credibility, trust, and legitimacy in democratic governance are strengthened when all segments of society, including women, are adequately represented.
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‎Professor Amupitan provided a snapshot of women’s current standing within the Commission’s leadership.
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At the national level, the Commission has two female National Commissioners and a female Secretary.
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At the state level, there are six female Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and eight female Administrative Secretaries.
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Within the directorate cadre, women lead 10 of the Commission’s 23 departments, representing over 43 percent of the total directorate positions, while 218 women serve as Electoral Officers across the country.
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‎While acknowledging these milestones, the Chairman expressed grave concern regarding the rising trend of gender-based disinformation and digital harassment directed at female political aspirants.
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He warned that as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, such toxic tactics risk discouraging women from seeking public office, and he vowed that INEC would intensify its scrutiny of political parties to ensure genuine internal democracy and non-discrimination during primaries.
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‎Dr. Rose Oriarian-Anthony, the Secretary to the Commission, presented an overview of the journey so far, noting that the Commission’s drive toward the 35 percent affirmative action target is supported by institutional reforms, including inclusive recruitment practices and targeted leadership development programs.
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She remarked that by giving women opportunities, visibility, and institutional support, INEC has gained enhanced productivity and improved stakeholder trust.
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‎The event served as a platform for both celebration and a call to action, with organizers urging political stakeholders to view the Give to Gain principle as a blueprint for sustainable democratic progress, ensuring that the electoral space remains a sanctuary for diverse ideas rather than a battlefield for gender-targeted attacks.