GENDER AND UNDERREPRESENTATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS: THE CLAMOUR AND AGITATION FOR WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics within the framework of representative democracy. Despite constitutional guarantees and international commitments to gender equality, women hold less than 10% of political positions in Nigeria. Drawing on a qualitative methodology and secondary data sources, the research identifies cultural norms, patriarchal structures, economic disempowerment, institutional bias, and weak legal enforcement as the major barriers limiting women’s political participation. The findings reveal that societal perceptions portraying leadership as a male domain, combined with financial obstacles and discriminatory party practices, have created a deeply exclusionary political environment. The study highlights the consequences of this imbalance, including governance blind spots and a failure to address gender-sensitive issues such as maternal health, education, and social welfare. Grounded in democratic feminist theory, the research argues that meaningful inclusion of women is essential not only for equity but for the legitimacy and effectiveness of Nigeria’s democracy. The study concludes by recommending constitutional reforms, financial support mechanisms, civic reeducation, and institutional restructuring as urgent steps toward gender-inclusive governance.