The National Deputy Chairperson of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, has urged women across Nigeria to take a more active role in political party leadership and decision-making processes to strengthen democracy and promote inclusive governance.
She made the appeal on Monday in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, shortly after the IPAC election held at the state secretariat of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The election produced the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, as the new IPAC chairman in the state.
Speaking after the exercise, Hajiya Ibrahim stressed that increasing women’s participation in political leadership would deepen democratic growth and ensure more balanced representation in governance. She noted that democracy is most effective when all groups in society are adequately represented, adding that women have the capability to contribute meaningfully to political decision-making.
Meanwhile, Bawa was unanimously elected to lead the IPAC in Taraba State for a two-year term during a peaceful election in which delegates from 17 registered political parties participated.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman thanked members of the council for their confidence in him and pledged to promote unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding among political parties in the state.
He assured stakeholders that the council under his leadership would remain neutral and committed to promoting democratic values, political tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among political actors.
Bawa also said his administration would prioritize dialogue and collaboration among parties as Taraba State prepares for upcoming electoral activities.
BACKSTORY…
The statement by the National Deputy Chairperson of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, comes amid ongoing discussions in Nigeria about improving gender inclusion in politics and strengthening democratic participation.
Across the country, women remain significantly underrepresented in political party leadership and elective positions, despite being a large portion of the electorate. This imbalance has often raised concerns among stakeholders who argue that democracy is stronger and more effective when all groups are properly represented in decision-making processes.
Her remarks were made in Jalingo shortly after the IPAC state election conducted at the secretariat of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The election itself, which produced new leadership for the council in Taraba State, served as a backdrop for her call for greater female involvement in party administration.
The broader context is Nigeria’s ongoing push for inclusive governance, where civil society groups, political stakeholders, and electoral bodies continue to advocate for increased women’s participation in leadership roles to enhance fairness, representation, and democratic stability.
