Women can rule Nigeria, says NRM presidential candidate

Esther Nkem, the presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), has stated that women are capable of ruling Nigeria. At the signing of the party’s Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment policy, Nkem called for greater inclusion of women in political leadership. She emphasized that the NRM is changing the narrative by creating opportunities for women to actively participate in the political process, rather than just campaigning and voting for men.

Malliya Manu, the programme officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, explained that the policy aims to increase women's participation in political leadership by providing a safe environment within political parties. The policy, developed over two months in collaboration with the NRM, establishes channels for women to report cases of sexual harassment and exploitation. Manu highlighted that the NRM's commitment to inclusion and good governance is evident in its decision to adopt the policy and promote women's leadership.

Prince Chinedu Obi, the National Chairman of the NRM, emphasized that the party adopted the policy as part of efforts to promote inclusion and good governance. He challenged civil society organizations to assess the party's commitment to inclusion when he assumed office, noting that the Nigerian Women Trust Fund was among the first organizations to engage the party on the issue.

Obi highlighted that the party's choice of a female presidential candidate followed a competitive primary election, where she emerged ahead of other contestants. He also identified sexual harassment as a significant factor discouraging women from participating in politics and stressed the need to establish safeguards to protect them.