by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria held a review meeting for Women and Girl’s Rights Advocates/CSOs

Earlier today, FIDA Nigeria held a review meeting for Women and Girl’s Rights Advocates/Civil Society Organizations on tracking budget allocations, release and monitoring utilization/implementation of the 2023 National Budget as an Advocacy Tool for addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) / Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) / Harmful Practices (HP)within the FCT.

#FIDANigeria #UNSI #UNWomen

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria Celebrates Hilda Baci as she sets a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual – 93 hours 11 minutes

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria Congratulates and heartily Celebrates Nigerian Chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, as she sets a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual – 93 hours 11 minutes

According to Guinness World Record, “Hilda attempted to set a record of 100 hours, however, almost seven hours were deducted from her final total because she mistakenly took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on, in the attempt”

Hilda set the new record on Monday, May 15th 2023 at 8p.m surpassing the previous record held by Lata Tondon, an Indian Chef, in 2019. Lata Tondon cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds to break the previous title.

Hilda Baci was born on September 20, 1996, in Akwa Ibom State. She is a multi-talented Nigerian TV producer, actress, head cook at FoodbyHilda. She cooked over 100 pots of food over the 4 days, to the marvel of those who watched her

As the CEO and head chef of @Myfoodbyhilda, Hilda has developed a reputation for providing delicious and healthy meals using locally sourced ingredients. She is also known for her innovative cooking techniques and creative presentation, which has earned her a loyal following of customers and fans.

FIDA felicitates with her, for being a great unifier and inspiration to many, especially as she has proven that hard work, planning, determination, focus and perseverance pays!!!

We applaud her efforts and successes.

by FIDA

World Day Against Child Labor: Social Justice for All – End Child Labor!

In marking the World Day Against Child Labor this year, FIDA Nigeria seizes this significant occasion to remind all of the urgent need to eradicate child labor and safeguard the rights of children, particularly in our communities in Nigeria.

We find repeated infringements despite the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to and has ratified or domesticated conventions that ban child labor; it is therefore, sad to note that Child labor is still on the rise in our communities and we must aggressively tackle this evil menace that stifles the proper growth and development of children

Child labour has remained a pervasive issue that affects millions of children globally, depriving them of their childhood, education, and a safe environment

We demand social justice in this respect. In recent years, the term “social justice” has become just as prominent as “human rights. It’s essentially a concept of fairness, equitable division of resources, opportunities, and privileges in society

“The abolition of child labor is a cornerstone of the aspiration for social justice, through which every worker can claim freely and on the basis of equality of opportunity and treatment their fair share of the wealth that they have helped to generate”

To commemorate the “Day Against Child Labor,” FIDA Nigeria through her 45 branches will be organizing a series of events, including seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns, to highlight the importance of ending child labor.

We invite individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to join us in this noble cause and effectively contribute to creating a world where every child’s right is protected, and their future secured.
FIDA actively supports initiatives that promote the enforcement of effective legislation against child labour, including the strengthening of child protection mechanisms. We work towards empowering communities to identify and report cases of child labour, providing legal aid and support to affected children and their families in line with the theme “Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!”.

FIDA reaffirms its dedication to fighting child labour through legal advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community engagement. We call upon governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and communities to unite and take concrete steps to end child labour and protect the well-being of children.

We firmly believe that every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation and the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Together, let us raise our voices, advocate for change, and take action to eliminate child labor.

Join FIDA and stand against child labor on June 12 and every day thereafter.

EndChildLaborNow

Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)

by FIDA

FIDA holds debate for stakeholders towards developing a policy statement on the unconstitutionality of the provision of section 396 (7) of the ACJA in Kano State

In attendance were representative(s) of the Acting Chief Judge of Kano State, NBA Chairman, Ministry of Justice, PCACC, ICPC, Police, Corrections, Faculty of Law BUK, legal aid council, PWAN, and other partners.

Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, was coined to abolish delay of trials occasioned by the elevation of a sitting judge to a higher court, however, this section was decided unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Udeogu v FRN & Ors.

Premised on this, FIDA Nigeria on Wednesday the 24th of May organized a workshop in Kano State with the support of MacArthur Foundation, for stakeholders to debate on the effect of the unconstitutionality of section 396(7) as decided by the Supreme Court, with an objective to provide a platform for Criminal Justice Actors to discuss the implications the unconstitutionality of this section has on litigants in respect of speedy trials especially relating to corruption cases across various courts.

Inputs from Criminal Justice Actors will be collated, incorporated from discussions ranging from challenges in conclusions of speedy trials, recommendations and practical solutions in enhancing speedy trials taking into cognizance uniqueness of focal states peculiarities and independence in adopting the ACJA.

In attendance were representative(s) of the Acting Chief Judge of Kano State, NBA Chairman, Ministry of Justice, PCACC, ICPC, Police, Corrections, Faculty of Law BUK, legal aid council, PWAN and other partners.

The findings of the workshop will form part of the policy document being developed which will serve as an advocacy tool to relevant stakeholders at the National Level by outlining ways forward in ensuring the intention of the provision to aid the speedy dispensation of justice is preserved

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria Held a 3-day Training on Gender Responsive Budgeting

Women remain under-represented in public life, which means that government policy, including economic policy may not take their needs and priorities into account. Policies which appear neutral on the surface may have unintended consequences, including increasing gender inequality.

On this premise, FIDA Nigeria on the 18th to 20th of April 2023, held a 3 day Training Session on Gender Responsive Budgeting as an important Advocacy Tool for Tracking Allocation, Releases, and Monitoring Utilization on Budgets towards addressing VAWG/SGBV/HP in Ebonyi State.

The capacity of the participants were measured through Pre and Post Evaluations and further through group work. They all made their commitments to lead coordinated advocacies to relevant MDAs in an effort to make sure that gender line items appear in every budget and also make sure that allocated resources for gender programs are utilized to improve on the expected outcomes.

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria secures N30 million damages against Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali for inhumane treatment & infringement of Fundamental Human Rights of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon

FIDA Nigeria in total disgust at the inhumane treatment,  and infringement of Fundamental Human Rights of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon by Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali, wife of Senator Ahmadu Ali, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and her Children; FIDA sought to stand in her defence and to enforce the Fundamental Human Rights of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 (As Amended).

Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon, a Personal Assistant to Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali had been physically, verbally and emotionally abused, inhumanely mal treated being locked up in a dog cage for three days without food or water and forced to defecate and urinate on herself in that cage. FIDA totally abhors such which is an absolute infringement of her Basic and Fundamental Human Rights and a breach of the VAPP Act (2015)

FIDA Nigeria therefore on behalf of Ms. Deborah Longs Nanpon filed a matter in court praying for an Order for the Enforcement of her Fundamental Rights seeking ten reliefs against Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali, Ms. Aisha Ahmadu Ali and Ms. Halima Ahmadu Ali in suit number FCT/HC/CV/1442/2022.

The F.C.T High Court, Kubwa, delivered its Judgment on the 28th March 2023 and the Honourable Justice Akanbi-Yusuf agreed that the Applicant was indeed unlawfully detained and dehumanized. His Lordship proceeded to grant seven out of the ten declaratory reliefs sought and awarded N30,000,000.00 (Thirty Million Naira) damages awarded against Dr. Mrs. Marianne Ahmadu Ali, along with the publication of an apology in This day Newspaper.

FIDA Nigeria is pleased with the outcome of this case and conveys its gratitude to the Honourable Court for the quick resolution of this matter as should be the case.

This serves as a great deterrent to others.

FIDA Nigeria in this case was represented by Fidan Ogechi Abu, a well-respected human rights activist who led the Litigation team

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria post-election statement on the governorship & state house of assembly elections as it relates to women participation

1.0 Introduction
The Gubernatorial / States Houses of Assembly Elections held on the 18th of March 2023 has been concluded with the Electoral Umpire (Independent National Electoral Commission) declaring the results of twenty states inclusive of our four focal states namely Plateau, Borno, Kaduna, and Kwara State. We still await the results of the other states toward having a holistic assessment of women representation in elective positions across the Nation.

This election marked the fourth major election conducted following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 after the Ekiti and Osun states off-cycle Governorship Elections with attention hinged on the Independent National Electoral Commission (Electoral Management Body) performance in administering the polls.

Observations demonstrated that the election was an improvement from the Presidential & National Assembly Elections as we witnessed the early arrival of electoral materials and officials which culminated in the early commencement of polls, effective transmission of results from the polling units to the INEC Result Viewing portal, improved deployment of security personnel to hotspot areas amongst others. However, despite this improvement, we observed shortcomings relating to vote trading and voter apathy which affected women participation at the polls.

We commend eligible voters and all women that participated actively in the process for their commitment and belief in the electoral system.
We have observed that within our focal states, some women emerged as winners in their respective state constituencies at the polls. In Kwara State, a 26year old female journalist Rukayat Shittu won a legislative seat at Owode/Onire constituency in Asa LGA. Similarly in Plateau State, Mrs. Happiness Akawu emerged winner and now representing Pengana constituency from Bassa LGA. In Kaduna state, Ms. Comfort Amwe won re-election to represent the Sanga constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. We celebrate these women and hope that this serves as an impetus for the more effective representation of women in subsequent elections

FIDA Nigeria through her situation room situated at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, the Nigeria Capital observed the participation of women in the elections alongside other forms of violence perpetrated against women across four focal states of our intervention. Our Observations culminated in the dissemination of our pre-election statements on Friday 17th March and preliminary statements on Saturday 18th of March 2023.

2.0 Methodology /Approach
FIDA Nigeria with support from UNWomen and the Government of Canada under the Advance Women Political Participation Project observed the participation of women alongside forms of violence perpetrated against women in the 2023 General Elections through her 77 INEC accredited observers deployed across 66 polling units in the aforementioned four focal States.

An election observation tool was administered by our accredited observers at their respective polling units while leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in observing, documenting, and reporting women’s participation and incidences of violence perpetrated against women. FIDA Nigeria through her observations provides post-election findings as follows:

2.1 Close of Polls
FIDA Nigeria observers reported that as of 2:30 pm, 47.44% of polling units under our observatory had concluded voting, while the counting of votes had either commenced or ended accordingly. This is an improvement from the Presidential & National Assembly Elections which witnessed only 9.09% of polls concluding at 2.30 pm. 50% of polling units visited were further observed to have had the voting process concluded at 4 pm with only 2.56% of polling units having elections ongoing after 4 pm.

For instance, at polling unit 001, Kafanchan Ward, Jema” an LGA, Kaduna State, voting was concluded at 3.20 pm, Similarly at Polling unit 11, Gwantu, Sanga LGA . Sorting of ballot papers commenced at 3.05 pm after the voting process was concluded. In Kwara State, voting was concluded at 2.30 pm in Polling unit 10, open space, Govt House, Ilorin East LGA. At polling unit 19, ward 10, Ilorin West LGA, elections were concluded at 2.30 pm.
In Borno state, at polling units 10& 44, ward 21, MMC, Borno State, voting was concluded at 2.30 pm. Similarly, at polling unit 10, Naraguta ward, Jos North LGA, Plateau State voting was concluded by 2.30 pm

2.2. Polls Commencement
Reports across the polling units across our focal states observed indicate that election materials arrived at polling units observed between the hours of 8:30 – 9:30 am. 81.4 % of the polling units had the election materials before 8.30 am, 10% by 9.00 am, and 8.6 % later than 9:30 am. This was a massive improvement from the Presidential & National Assembly Elections which recorded only 38% of polling units across our focal states receiving electoral materials at 8.30 am and 19.7% of polling units at about 9.30 am.
Our observations indicate that at polling unit 002, ward 04, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State, Electoral Officials arrived as early as 7.40 am with electoral materials. Similarly, at polling unit 012, ward 02, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna state electoral officials arrived at 7.58 am. In Plateau state, INEC Officials arrived polling unit 001, taagbe ward, Bassa LGA at 7.25 am, At polling unit 008, ward 02, Dalori primary school, Konduga LGA, Borno state, electoral materials arrived at 8.04 am, while at polling unit 008, ward 01, Damboa LGA, INEC officials were sighted at 8.30 am.

We witnessed the early arrivals of electoral officials in Kwara State. For example, in polling unit 006, ward 02, Kaima LGA, and polling unit 007, ward 07, Ilorin West LGA, these officials were seen at 7.40 am and 7.57 am respectively

2.3. Secrecy of the Ballot:
FIDA Nigeria observed that in about 96.2% of polling units, women exercised their franchise freely, while 59% of female voters exercised their franchise in secrecy without interference from party agents. Our observers reported that the ballot process was transparent and fair in about 94.9% of the polling units, while 97.1% of female voters found their names on the voters register.

2.4.Reported Incidences of Violence Perpetrated Against Women:
FIDA Nigeria observed little incidence of patriarchal, physical, and other forms of violence perpetrated against women in 7.1% of polling units within our observation in focal states and across the country. This violence was perpetrated against 11.1 % of women politicians and party agents, while 2.9% of women were observed instigating or promoting violence in the polling units under our observatory.

For instance, at the Kaduna State collation center for Sanga House of Assembly Constituency, INEC Officials were observed being intimidated and threatened to declare a woman as the winner of that constituency.

2.5.Turnout of Female Voters.
FIDA Nigeria observed a turnout of female voters in about 57.2% of the polling units observed. This is comparatively low compared to the Presidential/National Assembly Elections where we experienced a turnout of women amounting to 66.2%. For instance, at polling unit 004, ward 05, Jos South, Plateau State, very few women were observed exercising their franchise. Similar incidences occurred at polling unit 027, tudun-wada, Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, and polling unit 006, ward 02, Kaiama LGA, Kwara State.

2.6. Vote Trading:

FIDA Nigeria observed a few disturbing incidents of vote trading across 8.6% of the polling units. However, 91.4% witnessed no incidences of vote trading in the polling units. At polling unit 027, tudun wada, Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, women were observed been induced by party agents towards swaying their votes for a particular party with the sum of N1,000.

15.7% of female party agents and politicians were found to perpetuate vote buying. At polling unit 21, ward 18, Sabon-gari LGA, Kaduna state, women were observed obtaining food items towards swaying their votes to a leading party. At polling unit 004, ward 7, Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State, female voters were persuaded to vote for another party with the promise of a bank transfer after voting. At polling unit 11, Hayin Mahuta Ward, GIwa LGA, Kaduna state, a leading political party was observed disbursing funds to women.

At polling unit 009, community secondary school, Irepodun LGA, Kwara state, women were being induced to vote for a particular party with an undisclosed sum of money, food, and drinks. Similarly, at polling unit 001, ward 04, Ekiti LGA, women were observed being swayed with food items.

2.7. Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 14.3% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel. This is comparatively low compared to the Presidential/National Assembly Elections where 26.8% of polling units had more than 4 security personnel.

Females were observed not fully mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that no female security official was seen in 52.9%, 30% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel, while only 17.1% had above 2 female security officials. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 7.1% of the polling units observed, however, in 92.9%, security personnel were not armed.

2.8. Priority Voting for Women from Marginalized/Vulnerable groups
FIDA Nigeria observes that women with disabilities, the elderly/Aged, pregnant women and Nursing mothers were prioritized in the voting process by INEC Adhoc Officials. Our Observers reported that in about 94.3% of the polling units, priority voting occurred, however in 5.7% of the polling units, these groups were compelled to join existing queues toward exercising their franchise.

For instance, at Polling Unit 003, Airforce Primary school, ward 6, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, and polling unit 05, ward 11, Riyom LGA, Plateau state, priority voting was enforced. Similarly, at polling unit 090, Naraguta, Jos North LGA, only aged women were prioritized. At polling unit 10, ward 21, MMC, Borno State aged women and women with disabilities were prioritized. The same occurrence was witnessed at polling unit 004, ward 07, Ilorin west LGA, Kwara State.

2.9. Existence of Separate Queues for Women
In 84.3% of the polling units visited, we observed that INEC ensured that separate queues were created for women to exercise their franchise. However such was not existent in 15.7% of the polling units visited as INEC made no provisions, and neither were no forms of enforcement by security agencies. In polling unit 001, LGEA Primary school, ward 02, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, separate queues were observed being enforced. Similar occurrences were observed at polling unit 3, ward 2, Kaura LGA, polling unit 21, ward 18, Sabon-Gari LGA, and polling unit 01, ward 7, Zaria LGA all in Kaduna state. Furthermore, separate queues were observed at polling unit 008, ward 2, Isin LGA, Kwara State, and polling unit 008, ward 02, Dalori primary school, Konduga LGA, Borno state.

3.0. Recommendations/Conclusion
In view of our pre-election, preliminary, and post-election observations/findings during the election, FIDA Nigeria recommends the following to all stakeholders and relevant actors towards deepening the democratic process in Nigeria ahead of subsequent elections.

1. Establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission to facilitate in the prosecution of electoral offenders observed to have committed all forms of electoral offenses in contravention of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) which will serve as a deterrent to other intending offenders.
2. The Independent National Electoral Commission is advised to institutionalize a multi-stakeholder approach towards encouraging the participation of more female electorates and citizens, in general, to exercise their franchise at subsequent elections.
3. The voters register needs to be cleaned up by INEC to enable the country to have an accurate number of truly registered voters.
4. Security agencies should continually adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality toward securing the polls which will help in mitigating electoral violence, especially those perpetuated against women in elections.
5. Elected Leaders should be magnanimous in victory and improve the participation of women at all levels of governance.
6. The Media should remain professional, neutral, and non-partisan in the discharge of duties.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria Preliminary Statement on The Governorship & State House of Assembly Elections as it Relates To Women Participation

1.0 Introduction
FIDA Nigeria through her situation room situated at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, the Nigeria Capital respectively is observing the participation of women and forms of violence perpetrated against women across four focal states of our intervention mainly Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, and Kwara states ,

2.0 Methodology
FIDA Nigeria with support from UNWomen and the Government of Canada under the Advance Women Political Participation Project has observed the participation of women and forms of violence perpetrated against women in the 2023 General Elections through 77 INEC accredited observers deployed across 66 polling units in the aforementioned four focal states.
An election observation tool was administered by our accredited observers at their respective polling units while leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in observing, documenting, and reporting women participation and incidences of violence perpetrated against women. FIDA Nigeria continues to closely watch the process across sixty-six Local Government Areas under our observatory process until it is concluded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The following issues are highlighted as part of our preliminary report:

2.1. Commencement of Polls
Reports across the polling units across our focal states observed indicate that election materials arrived at polling units observed between the hours of 8:30 – 9:30 am. 81.4 % of the polling units had the election materials before 8.30 am, 10% by 9.00 am and 8.6 % later than 9:30 am. For instance, at Polling unit 002, ward 04, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State, Electoral Officials arrived as early as 7.40 am with electoral materials. Similarly, at polling unit 012, ward 02, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna state electoral officials arrived at 7.58 am. In Plateau state, INEC Officials arrived at polling unit 001, taagbe ward, Bassa LGA at 7.25 am, At polling unit 008, ward 02, Dalori primary school, Konduga LGA, Borno state, electoral materials arrived at 8.04 am, while at polling unit 008, ward 01, Damboa LGA, INEC officials were sighted at 8.30 am.

We witnessed the early arrivals of electoral officials in Kwara State. For example, in polling unit 006, ward 02, Kaima LGA and polling unit 007, ward 07, Ilorin West LGA, these officials were seen at 7.40 am and 7.57 am respectively

2.2. Mainstreaming of Female Electoral Officials
We observed that 51.4% of polling units under our observatory had above two female electoral officials, 32.9% less than 2 female electoral officials, and 15.7% had no female electoral officials.

2.3. Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 14.3% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel, 20% had 3 security personnel, 45.7% had 2 security personnel, and 20% had either one or no security presence at the polling units. Females were observed not fully mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that no female security official was seen in 52.9%, 30% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel, while only 17.1% had above 2 female security officials. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 7.1% of the polling units observed, however, in 92.9%, security personnel were not armed.

In 90% of the polling units, women felt very secure in the polling units, while women in 10 % of the polling units, experienced some level of insecurity. For example at polling unit 008, ward 02, Dalori primary school, Konduga LGA, Borno state, we witnessed the presence of one security personnel manning the polling unit. A similar occurrence was witnessed at Polling unit 002, ward 04, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State where only one security personnel was observed presently. However, at polling unit 108, ward 13, MMC, a good number of security personnel were observed securing the polls. In 90% of polling units observed, there were no issues of physical confrontation between female election officials, agents, and observers.

2.4. Partiality of Electoral & Security Personnel
In 74.3% of our polling units, electoral and security personnel were observed to demonstrate some level of impartiality, however, there were some concerns of the level of partiality in about 22.9 % of polling units visited

2.5. Turnout of Female Voters:
FIDA Nigeria observed a turnout of female voters in about 57.2% of the polling units observed. This is comparatively low compared to the Presidential/National Assembly Elections where we experienced a turnout of women amounting to 66.2%. For instance, at polling unit 004, ward 05, Jos South, Plateau State, very few women were observed exercising their franchise. Similar incidences occurred at polling unit 027, tudun-wada , Zaria LGA, Kaduna State, and polling unit 006, ward 02, Kaiama LGA, Kwara State.

2.6. Under-Aged Female Voters
In 97.1% of the polling units visited, we observed no incidence of underage voting by Females, while these same percentiles were able to find their names on the voters register.

2.7. Priority Voting for Women from Marginalized/Vulnerable groups
FIDA Nigeria observes that women with disabilities, the elderly/Aged, pregnant women and Nursing mothers were prioritized in the voting process by INEC Adhoc Officials. Our Observers reported that in about 94.3% of the polling units, priority voting occurred, however in 5.7% of the polling units, these groups were compelled to join existing queues toward exercising their franchise.

For instance, at Polling Unit 003, Airforce Primary school, ward 6, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, and polling unit 05, ward 11, Riyom LGA, Plateau state, priority voting was enforced. Similarly, at polling unit 090, Naraguta, Jos North LGA, only aged women were prioritized. At polling unit 10, ward 21, MMC, Borno State aged women and women with disabilities were prioritized. The same occurrence was witnessed at polling unit 004, ward 07, Ilorin west LGA, Kwara State.

2.8. Existence of Separate Queues for Women
In 84.3% of the polling units visited, we observed that INEC ensured that separate queues were created for women to exercise their franchise.
However such was not existent in 15.7% of the polling units visited as INEC made no provisions, neither were no forms of enforcement by security agencies. In polling unit 001, LGEA Primary school, ward 02, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, separate queues were observed being enforced. Similar occurrences were observed at polling unit 3, ward 2, Kaura LGA, polling unit 21, ward 18, Sabon-Gari LGA, and polling unit 01, ward 7, Zaria LGA all in Kaduna state. Furthermore, separate queues were observed at polling unit 008, ward 2, Isin LGA, Kwara State and polling unit 008, ward 02, Dalori primary school, Konduga LGA, Borno state.

2.9. Functionality of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System:
FIDA Nigeria has observed that across most polling units within our purview, the bimodal voter’s accreditation system was largely functional which aided accreditation and the voting process. In 94.3% of polling units visited, the BVAS Machine was highly functional, however, in 5.7% of the polling units observed experienced a technical difficulty which limited women participation. However, in 2.9% of the polling units, women were discouraged and went home. For example at Polling unit 11, Gwantu ward, Sanga LGA, and polling unit 02, ward 4, Kachia LGA, domiciled in Kaduna state, witnessed elections commencing late due to malfunctioning of the BVAS. From our observations, there were no incidences of ballot box snatching or destruction by thugs.

2.9.1. Vote Trading:
FIDA Nigeria observed a few disturbing incidents of vote trading across 8.6% of the polling units. However, 91.4% witnessed no incidences of vote trading in the polling units. At polling unit 027, tudun wada, Zaria LGA, women were observed to be induced by party agents towards swaying their votes for a particular party with the sum of N1,000.

84.3% of female party agents and politicians were found to perpetuate vote buying. At polling unit 21, ward 18, Sabon-gari LGA, Kaduna state, women were observed obtaining food items towards swaying their votes to a leading party. At polling unit 004, ward 7, Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State, female voters were persuaded to vote for another party with the promise of a bank transfer after voting. At polling unit 11, Hayin Mahuta Ward, GIwa LGA, Kaduna state, a leading political party was observed disbursing funds to women. At polling unit 009, community secondary school, Irepodun LGA, Kwara state, women were being induced to vote for a particular party with an undisclosed sum of money, food, and drinks. Similarly, at polling unit 001, ward 04, Ekiti LGA, women were observed being swayed with food items.
We will continually update the media as we receive further information from our deployed observers

3.0. Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria will continue to observe the elections and later issue her post-election statement to detail more on the overall participation of women and perpetrated violence.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria Pre-Election Statement on The Governorship & State Houses of Assembly Elections as It Relates To Women Participation

1.0. Introduction

On Saturday 18th March 2023, Nigerians will exercise their franchise across 176,606 polling units across the country towards electing suitable candidates for Governorship and State House of Assembly seats. This election marks the fourth major election conducted following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 after the Ekiti and Osun states off-cycle Governorship Elections and just concluded Presidential & National Assembly Elections conducted on the 25th of February 2023 which was characterized by a lot of shortcomings with several issues ranging from the late arrival of electoral materials at several polling units across the country. The just concluded elections also experienced some technical hitches caused due to failure / slow pace of the bimodal voters’ accreditation system which led to the dis entrancement of a lot of Nigeria Voters inclusive of women, reported incidence of violence, failure of transmission of results from the polling units, which albeit others affected the credibility of the poll.

A major fallout of the elections witnessed women low representation in the forthcoming 10th National Assembly as only 16 female candidates amounting to about 6% won elective positions out of 378 female contestants. We have witnessed only 3 women winning seats in the Nigeria Senate, while 13 winning seats in the Federal Houses of Representative. Comparatively only 3.7% of National Assembly seats were won by women out of the 423 seats declared thus far by the

Independent National Election Commission. This has clearly reiterated the fact that Nigeria’s democratic experience has not expanded opportunities for meaningful participation and representation of women in politics and governance and a reduction in participatory elective positions for females.

2.0. Methodology /Approach
FIDA Nigeria with support from UNWomen and the Government of Canada under the Advance Women Political Participation Project will observe the participation of women alongside forms of violence perpetrated against women in the 2023 Governorship and States House of Assembly Elections through her 77 INEC accredited observers deployed across 66 polling units in the aforementioned four focal States.

An election monitoring tool will be administered by our accredited observers at the respective polling units while leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in observing, documenting, and reporting women participation and incidences of violence perpetrated against women.

3.0. General Observations/Expectations
i. Low Representation of Female Candidates
Statistics from the Independent National Electoral Commission indicate that about 10,636 candidates are participating in Gubernatorial and States Houses of Assembly nationwide. 419 persons have been sponsored as Governorship and Deputy Governorship Candidates, while, 10,217 candidates are contesting for seats in the House of Assembly. However, only about 1,178 females constituting about 11.07% are contesting as candidates.

A further breakdown indicates that out of the 419 candidates contesting for Governorship seats, only 25 female candidates are contesting, while 102 females are running as Deputy Governorship Candidates, and 1,051 females contesting for seats in the states Houses of Assembly.

We are optimistic that more women will be elected at this level, thereby increasing women representation. ii. Securing the polls:

We expect strategic deployment of security personnel across the176, 606 polling units of the state towards forestalling any form of violence at the polls which will limit the participation of women in the general elections. We observed that from the Presidential /National Assembly elections, only about 26.8% of polling units had more than 4 security personnel, while 22.5% had 3 security personnel, Cumulatively less than 50% of polling units observed had more than 3 security personnel.

This reiterates the call for the sufficient deployment of security personnel to checkmate all forms of Gender Based violence that may impede the credibility of the poll. We hope to find security personnel at the polling units identified by their name tags, demonstrate non-partisanship in the discharge of their responsibilities and abide by the revised code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.

iii. Turnout of female voters
We expect that we will witness more participation of women at the polls. We recall that there has been a low turnout of voters at the just concluded presidential and National Assembly with only 26.71% of registered voters actually participated in the polls with about 73.29% abstaining from the voting process. Notwithstanding, this low turnout, we encourage more women to exercise their franchise in the polls while calling on INEC and Security agencies to provide the enabling platform for women participation.

iv. INEC logistical arrangements to aid Electoral Process:
We expect early deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at the polling units as well as election officials at the
commencement of polls. This will help to promote confidence in the system and improve the credibility of the poll. We recall that the just concluded presidential and National Assembly Elections were characterized by a lot of shortcomings with several issues ranging from the late arrival of electoral materials at several polling units across the country which led to the dis entrancement of a lot of Nigeria Voters inclusive of women and affected the credibility of the poll adversely.

9.09% of polling units under our observatory had concluded voting and counting of votes had either commenced or ended accordingly at 2.30 pm. However, about 72.7% of polling units visited still had the voting process ongoing as of 4 pm due to the late arrival of the electoral materials or malfunctioning of the BVAS
We hope that the Election Management Body provides electoral materials timeously towards ensuring the effective and seamless participation of women at the polls.

4.0. Recommendations/Conclusions
In light of the foregoing, key actors in the electoral processes particularly INEC, political parties, security agencies, mass media, and Civil Society Organisations need to pay increasing attention to factors limiting women participation ahead of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Election.

As such, the following recommendations are considered pertinent:

Deployment of Electoral materials (Sensitive & Non –Sensitive) across all Registration Area Centers and polling units timeously is key for an improved political participatory process for women.

Effective collaboration and synergy with other stakeholders especially INEC, Security agencies, and Election Observation Groups should be cultivated and sustained.

Security agencies should continually adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality toward securing the polls which will help in mitigating electoral violence, especially those perpetuated against women in elections.

May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President

by FIDA

FIDA Nigeria holds Spotlight Initiative Phase II introductory meeting with CSOs, women, and girls’ rights advocates within the FCT.

The Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations (EU-UN) agencies to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

The Initiative seeks to respond to all forms of violence against women and girls, with a particular focus on sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, by beaming a spotlight on these existential issues, while placing them at the center of a collective drive for gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.