Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor, has made a significant pledge. He promised that women would occupy half of all federal cabinet positions. This would happen if he becomes Nigeria’s President in 2027.

Amaechi announced this commitment on Monday in Lagos. He was the Special Guest of Honour. The event was the inauguration of the World Women Organisation’s Nigeria chapter.

He stated this initiative is core to his governance plan. Amaechi insisted that leadership requires competence. Gender, he emphasized, should not be a defining factor.

Amaechi’s Vision for Women in Governance

Amaechi declared his 2027 presidential ambition in August 2025. He did so under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner. He affirmed that women’s inclusion would be clear and quantifiable. This would start from the first day of his potential presidency.

Amaechi further explained the structure of his proposed federal cabinet. It usually comprises about 42 ministers. These positions would be evenly distributed. “There will be 21 male and 21 female,” Amaechi stated. He added that gender should never undermine an individual’s ability.

He also highlighted the inclusion of young women in governance. “Ten or eleven positions will go to the youths,” he confirmed. Other slots would be shared among women of various ages and backgrounds.

Amaechi stressed that women must grasp a key point. Cabinet roles are not symbolic gestures. They are earned positions. “Women must understand it’s not simply because they are women,” he explained. “It’s because they are well-equipped and capable.”

He further advised that roles for lawmakers, young leaders, and political allies should be merit-based. Assignments must consider readiness and capacity. Compassion, he argued, should not be the deciding factor.

Addressing Challenges and Advocating for Unity

Amaechi also recalled his past legislative achievements. As a former Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, he supported crucial reforms. These included laws protecting widows, which helped stop harmful cultural practices.

He cautioned that discriminatory norms persist. These remain a major barrier to women’s progress. They also limit access to education for women.

Amaechi expressed concern about internal conflicts among women. He noted these avoidable disputes hinder their advancement. Unity, he suggested, would foster broader support for their inclusion. He concluded, “If women stop fighting themselves, men will be encouraged.”