IWD: ADC Empowers Women to Lead from the Margins to the Center

Empowering Women in Leadership: The ADC’s Commitment to Gender Equality

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made a strong statement on the importance of women in leadership and decision-making, especially as Nigeria observes International Women’s Day. In a recent statement, the party emphasized the need for women to move from the margins to the center of political and social power.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, signed the statement, which highlights the party’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that women are actively involved in politics. The ADC acknowledges that Nigerian women play a crucial role in the country’s social and economic development, yet they remain underrepresented in key national institutions.

This underrepresentation is a pressing issue that the ADC aims to address. The party pointed out that its National Working Committee reflects a deliberate effort to include women in leadership roles. By doing so, the ADC believes that empowering women is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

One of the unique aspects of the ADC is its constitution, which explicitly reserves 40 percent of all party positions at every level for women. This makes the ADC the only political party in Nigeria with such a provision. The party sees this as a critical step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.

The ADC encourages more Nigerian women to join the party and take part in shaping the future of the nation. The statement emphasizes that “when Nigerian women rise, our entire nation rises with them.” This sentiment underscores the belief that the empowerment of women is not just a matter of justice, but also a necessary component of national progress.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day, the ADC honors the contributions of millions of Nigerian women. From mothers who raise communities, to entrepreneurs who drive markets, to educators and healthcare professionals who serve society, women continue to carry a disproportionate share of the nation’s responsibilities.

However, despite their vital roles, women remain significantly underrepresented in positions of leadership. The ADC sees this as an opportunity for change and is committed to transforming the political landscape.

In the ADC, women are not just participants; they are leaders. They are part of the structures that guide the party and shape its decisions. The composition of the National Working Committee reflects a clear commitment to ensuring that women are not pushed to the margins of politics but are actively involved in leadership and decision-making.

This approach is rooted in the understanding that any political movement serious about building a better country must recognize and harness the strength of women. The ADC views women as indispensable to the future of Nigerian democracy. A nation of over two hundred million people cannot reach its full potential when half of its population remains underrepresented in political leadership.

Nigeria’s democracy will only become stronger when its institutions reflect the strength, talent, and diversity of its people. On this 2026 commemoration of International Women’s Day, the ADC reaffirms its commitment to building a political culture where women are empowered to lead and participate fully in shaping the future of the country.

The party calls on all Nigerian women to join the ADC and contribute to the effort of building a more inclusive and equitable nation. As the ADC continues its mission, it remains steadfast in its belief that the empowerment of women is not just a goal, but a necessity for the progress of the entire nation.