Former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has promised that women will fill half of all federal cabinet slots under his administration should he emerge President of Nigeria in 2027.
Amaechi made the pledge on Monday in Lagos while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration of the Nigeria chapter of the World Women Organisation.
He said the move is central to his governance blueprint, insisting that leadership must be defined by competence, not gender.
The former governor, who declared his 2027 presidential ambition on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in August 2025, said women’s inclusion would be visible and measurable from day one of his potential presidency.
Amaechi explained that the federal cabinet, which typically consists of about 42 ministers, would be evenly split under his leadership.
“There will be 21 males and 21 females,” Amaechi stated, emphasizing that gender should never be a factor in questioning one’s abilities.
He further pledged that part of the representation would consist of young women in governance, committing that, “10 or 11 will go to the youths,” , with the remaining positions being distributed among women of various age groups and backgrounds.
Amaechi stressed that women need to recognize that cabinet positions are not merely symbolic but are seats that must be earned.
“Women must know that it’s not because they are women. It’s because they are equipped,” he remarked.
He also pointed out that even lawmakers, young leaders, and political allies should be assigned roles based on their preparedness and capability, rather than out of compassion.
In addition, Amaechi referred to previous legislative reforms he championed during his tenure as the former Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, connecting them to widow protection laws that contributed to the reduction of harmful cultural practices.
He cautioned that discriminatory norms continue to serve as a significant barrier to women’s advancement and their limited access to education.
Moreover, he expressed concern regarding women hindering their own progress through unnecessary internal conflicts, asserting that unity would foster broader support for inclusion. “If women stop fighting themselves, men will be encouraged.” Amaechi concluded.
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