UK, WFD to Collaborate with IPAC on Gender Inclusivity in Political Representation

Dike Onwuamaeze

The United Kingdom and Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) have pledged to collaborate with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to achieve a higher rate of gender inclusivity in political representations in Nigeria. 
IPAC is made up of all the registered political parties in Nigeria.
They expressed these views at a three-day Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Constitution Review and Adoption that was held in Lagos between December 17 and 19, 2025, with the aim of transitioning the council  from a body governed by code of conduct to a working constitution. 
In his goodwill message to the conference, the Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Mr. Simon Field, who represented The High Commissioner, British High Commission/Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Mr. Richard Mongomery, said that the importance of the conference could not be overstated.
Field said that IPAC’s constitution would regulate the conduct of its members and publicly reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and enhance the credibility and legitimacy of Nigeria’s political process both domestically and internationally.
He said: “In particular, I would like to commend you for your strong and unequivocal commitment to inclusive political participation, for giving a voice to marginalised and vulnerable groups.

“As you know, the UK’s commitment to an inclusion agenda is strong. It is because we believe that one of the hallmarks of a functional democracy is the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making processes.

“So, I want to put on record the UK’s optimism in this space – together we can lift barriers to inclusive political participation. The UK is a willing partner in this endeavour, and we look forward to further discussions across this vital topic.”

In his welcome address, the WFD Country Director, Nigeria, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, said that women constitute a significant part of Nigeria’s population, and their meaningful participation in politics is vital for achieving balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Olorunmola added that at the heart of the deliberations during the conference would be the Support for Women Representation through Actions by Political Parties (SWRAPP) project, which seeks to increase women’s representation in political leadership and decision-making processes.

He said: “As we review the constitution, I urge you all to ensure that gender inclusivity is prioritised.

“Political parties play a key role in creating pathways for women to emerge as leaders, and IPAC, through this process, can lead by example.

“This is fundamental if we consider that Rwanda ranks first globally, with 61 per cent of women in the single/lower house, while Nigeria ranks last at 180, with a mere 4.0 per cent of women in the lower house.”

He also said that six African countries, namely Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Ethiopia, have achieved 40 per cent or higher women’s representation in their lower houses.

Therefore, “the question we must ask ourselves as political party leaders and IPAC leaders is ‘what role can we play to improve the ranking of Nigeria between now and 2027?’

“Will Nigeria still remain in 180th position in 2027? The answers are in your hands as party leaders,” he said.

According to Olorunmola, IPAC’s transition from a code of conduct to a constitution is especially timely as Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic processes.

He said: “A well-developed constitution will enable IPAC to not only mediate inter-party relations but also become a champion of good governance, peaceful electoral processes, and gender-inclusive politics,” adding that “the recently concluded election in Ghana is a challenge, not only to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but to the political parties that they, and their members, can participate peacefully in elections, without malice, enmity and violence. IPAC has a huge role to play in making this possible.”

In his goodwill message to IPAC, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented by the INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Professor Ayobami Salami, said that the electoral commission recognised and appreciated the vital role of political parties in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Yakubu said: “As the custodian of electoral integrity, we are committed to fostering a level playing field where all political actors can thrive; ensuring that the voices of Nigerians are heard and respected.”

He added that the constitutional framework of any nation forms the bedrock of its governance by guiding its institutions and ensuring the rights of its citizens.

“Therefore, the collaboration between IPAC and WFD to focus on review and propose constitutional improvements, demonstrates an exemplary commitment to deepening democracy, and fostering inclusivity in Nigeria,” Yakubu said. 

The Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Yusuf Dantalle, said that the conference represented a significant milestone toward strengthening the council’s governance structure and promotion of democratic practices within member political parties.

Dantalle said: “The transition from the use of code of conduct to a full-fledged constitution has become imperative so as to provide a more comprehensive and robust framework for governance, outlining the rights, responsibilities and relationships among members, leaders and stakeholders.”