By Atlantic Reports

Only three women feature among the 33 candidates on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list for Kaduna State’s senatorial elections in 2027.

The list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, shows one female candidate in each of the state’s three senatorial districts.

In Kaduna North, Jennifer Agbaje of the Young Progressives Party is the only woman among 12 candidates.

Badamasi Hafsat of the Action Democratic Party is the sole female candidate among 13 contestants in Kaduna Central.

In Kaduna South, Laura Yimi Lucas of the Social Democratic Party is the only woman among eight candidates seeking the seat.

Together, the three women represent approximately 9.1 per cent of the candidates, while men account for the remaining 30 places.

Representation Begins Before Polling Day

The figures show a substantial gender imbalance in the candidate field. They do not, however, establish how many women sought party nominations or the circumstances that shaped their participation.

The supplied account did not include responses from the candidates or political parties on nomination processes, campaign support or barriers faced by women.

Those details would help explain why so few women reached the final ballot despite efforts to encourage wider participation.

For Kaduna voters, the list establishes the choices available across the three districts. For political parties, it raises questions about how recruitment, nomination and support can create greater opportunities for women to contest elective office.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.