This paper discusses the underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics since the country’s transition to democracy in 1999. It highlights the complexity of the challenges that women politicians faced in the past and continue to face in contemporary times. The author submits that whether appointed or elected, women politicians in Nigeria continue to confront serious structural obstacles that hinder their participation and progress within the political landscape.
The paper sheds light on the structural dynamics of Nigeria’s political parties, the legal framework governing the nation, and the pervasive influence of cultural and religious biases as major roadblocks for women in politics. Additionally, it scrutinizes the intricate relationship between gendered misinformation and its detrimental impact on women in politics. By providing specific critical examples which can stand as case studies, the paper elucidates the pervasive effects of misinformation on female politicians and underscores the urgent need for addressing this issue.
