The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have called for stronger participation of women in politics and governance in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made during a sensitisation programme organised by the Bauchi State chapter of NAWOJ in collaboration with INEC and the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV).

The programme focused on voter registration, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) updates and strategies aimed at increasing women’s participation in the political process.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of NAWOJ in Bauchi State, Hajiya Rashida Yusuf, said the initiative was designed to educate women on electoral processes and encourage them to mobilise others towards active political participation.

She urged women to remain informed about the activities of INEC, particularly voter registration and verification exercises, stressing that inclusive governance could only be achieved through active female participation in politics.

According to her, women must take advantage of opportunities provided by the electoral body to register, update their voter records, and fully participate in elections.

Also speaking, Chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV), Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, said the organisation had intensified advocacy campaigns aimed at ensuring greater inclusion of women in politics regardless of party affiliations.

She explained that NILOWV had introduced radio sensitisation programmes and other awareness campaigns to encourage women not only to vote but also to contest elective positions.

“We want to see women actively participating in the political system and occupying leadership positions,” she said.

On her part, INEC Gender Desk Officer in Bauchi State, Naomi Yusuf, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting meaningful participation of women in the democratic process.

She noted that women could only influence governance and policy decisions when they actively participate in politics from the grassroots to higher levels.

Yusuf also described the media as a vital partner in voter education and public enlightenment, noting that most information on electoral activities was disseminated through media organisations.

She disclosed that voter registration and PVC update exercises were ongoing across Bauchi State.

Some of the participants during the sensitisation and enlightenment at NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi