KATSINA — Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing women’s participation in politics and governance across Katsina State.
The governor made the pledge during a meeting with women stakeholders, political party leaders, and government officials held at Muhammadu Buhari House under the platform of the Reserved Seats for Women Association.
The engagement focused on expanding women’s roles in leadership and decision-making, as part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive governance and create more opportunities for women within existing political structures.
Radda described women’s inclusion as essential to democratic growth and effective governance, noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) provides a level playing field for women to contest elective positions.
He explained that candidate selection processes are guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act, which recognises only primary elections and consensus as valid methods for the emergence of candidates.
The governor, however, acknowledged persistent challenges limiting women’s political participation and expressed concern that positions designed to promote women are sometimes not occupied by them.
He also highlighted the electoral importance of women, noting that they constitute a significant proportion of voters across polling units, while commending their leadership qualities such as discipline and commitment.
Earlier, APC State Chairman, Bashir Gambo Saulawa, praised the contributions of women within the party and reaffirmed continued support for their participation, urging stakeholders to allow due process in candidate selection.
Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda
Chairperson of the North-West Reserved Seats for Women Association and First Lady of the state, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, said the initiative emerged from consultations under the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum and is aimed at strengthening women’s role in governance.
HajiyaAisha Aminu Malumfashi
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, described the initiative as a milestone, noting that efforts are underway to achieve at least 30 per cent representation for women in political appointments and party structures.
Abu Ammar
Also speaking, Chairman of the Hisbah Board, Abu Ammar, underscored the compatibility of women’s leadership with Islamic principles, provided it aligns with moral and community values.
APC Women Leader, Aisha Matazu, expressed readiness among women to mobilise for greater political participation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Nasir Yahaya Daura, senior government officials, party leaders, and women groups.
