The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) has launched campaign for electoral reforms in its effort to promote gender equity and inclusive governance in Nigeria.
The group, with support from MacArthur Foundation, recently convened a high profile community town hall meeting in Mubi North, Adamawa State, aimed at raising awareness around electoral reforms and citizen participation in the democratic process.
The event, organized in partnership with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Adamawa State chapter and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), brought together a cross-section of community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), women groups, and associations of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The meeting, held under the Electoral Accountability, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Project highlighted the urgent need for reforms that would guarantee free, fair and inclusive elections.
Central to the discussions was the role of women and marginalized groups in the political process, groups often left behind in the nation’s democratic journey.
In her address, WRAPA’s Program Manager, Hajiya Umma Rimi, said that the town hall meeting was part of the broader #UnfinishedBusiness campaign, focused at ensuring that no one is excluded from Nigeria’s electoral and governance systems.
“This is not just about elections, it’s about reshaping the future so that everyone, regardless of gender or physical ability, has a voice and a seat at the table.”
Also speaking, the WRAPA Adamawa State Coordinator, Barrister Fatima Raji, alongside the chairperson of FIDA, Barrister Jamila Babuba, represented by Barr. Lubna Dodo, Vice chairperson of the organization educated participants on how electoral reforms could foster transparency, equity and stronger citizen trust in governance.
They stressed that such reforms would remove longstanding barriers that have hindered women’s and PWDs’ participation in leadership.
The interactive session saw participants sharing personal stories and challenges, underscoring the structural and societal limitations that keep women and persons with disabilities on the margins.
Many participants expressed the belief that unless deliberate policies are put in place, the political space will continue to be skewed against vulnerable groups.
The participation of the APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa North, Wilfred William Vimtim, who represented the State APC Chairman, Barrister Idris Shuaibu added colour to the event.
Vimtim reaffirmed his party’s support for voter education and the principles of inclusive governance. His remarks were greeted with appreciation, even as he emphasized the importance of electoral literacy, especially at the grassroots level.
WRAPA and its partners reiterated their commitment to continue these town hall engagements in Mubi South and other local governments to reinforce the message that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when it is inclusive, transparent and accountable to all.
