WRAPA leads charge for electoral reforms, inclusion in Mubi North
In a bold step to promote gender equity and inclusive governance, the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), with support from MacArthur Foundation has convened a high profile community town hall meeting in Mubi North, Adamawa State, aimed at raising awareness around electoral reforms and citizen participation in the democratic process.
The event, organized in partnership with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Adamawa State chapter and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), brought together a cross-section of community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), women groups, and associations of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Related news
WRAPA trains members, volunteers on women right promotion, protection
FIDA expresses outrage over killing, decapitation of woman in Adamawa
Accolades as Adamawa renowned activist, Raji bags NBA merit award
The meeting, held under the Electoral Accountability, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Project highlighted the urgent need for reforms that would guarantee free, fair, and inclusive elections.
Central to the discussions was the role of women and marginalized groups in the political process, groups often left behind in the nation’s democratic journey.
Delivering her address, Hajiya Umma Rimi, WRAPA’s Program Manager, emphasized that the town hall meeting forms part of the broader #UnfinishedBusiness campaign, focused at ensuring that no one is excluded from Nigeria’s electoral and governance systems.
“This is not just about elections, it’s about reshaping the future so that everyone, regardless of gender or physical ability, has a voice and a seat at the table,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the WRAPA Adamawa State Coordinator, Barr. Fatima Raji alongside the chairperson of FIDA, Barr. Jamila Babuba ably represented by Barr. Lubna Dodo, Vice chairperson of the organization educated participants on how electoral reforms could foster transparency, equity and stronger citizen trust in governance.
They stressed that such reforms would remove longstanding barriers that have hindered women’s and PWDs’ participation in leadership.
The interactive session saw participants share personal stories and challenges, underscoring the structural and societal limitations that keep women and persons with disabilities on the margins.
Many participants expressed the belief that unless deliberate policies are put in place, the political space will continue to be skewed against vulnerable groups.
The participation of Hon. Wilfred William Vimtim, APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa North, who represented the State APC Chairman, Barr. Idris Shuaibu added a lot of colour to the event.
Vimtim reaffirmed his party’s support for voter education and the principles of inclusive governance. His remarks were met with appreciation, as he emphasized the importance of electoral literacy, especially at the grassroots level.
Pledging to propagate the ideals of the meeting, stakeholders across board including traditional and community leaders—pledged to amplify the GESI agenda in their respective domains.
They pledge to engage in advocacy, sensitization, and policy dialogues aimed at pushing for equitable reforms in Nigeria’s electoral process.
WRAPA and its partners reiterated their commitment to continue these town hall engagements in Mubi South and other local governments to reinforce the message that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when it is inclusive, transparent and accountable to all.
