If Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, becomes president of Nigeria in 2027, he has pledged that women will occupy half of all federal cabinet positions.
Amaechi made the commitment on Monday in Lagos while addressing as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of the Nigeria chapter of the World Women Organisation.
He claimed the move is key to his governance model, emphasizing that leadership must be characterized by talent, not gender.
The former governor, who proclaimed his 2027 presidential ambition on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in August 2025, said women’s inclusion will be evident and measurable from day one of his possible presidency.
Amaechi indicated that the federal cabinet, which generally includes of roughly 42 ministers, would be evenly balanced.
“There will be 21 male and 21 female,” Amaechi stated, stressing that aptitude should never be questioned based on a person’s gender.
He also stated that part of the representation will involve young women in government, adding, “10 or 11 will go to the youths,” with the remaining posts allocated among women from other age ranges and backgrounds.
Amaechi highlighted that women must understand that cabinet jobs are not symbolic objects but earned seats.
“Women must know that it’s not because they are women. He stated, “It’s because they are prepared.”
Even legislators, young leaders, and political allies, he continued, should be given positions based on ability and preparedness rather than empathy.
Speaking further, Amaechi recalled earlier legislative reforms he backed as former Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, pointing to widow protection laws that helped prevent harmful cultural practices.
He highlighted that discriminatory practices remain a fundamental hurdle against women’s growth and minimal access to education.
Additionally, he expressed concern about women slowing themselves down by preventable internal disagreement, pointing out that unity would increase support for inclusion on a larger scale. He said, “If women stop fighting themselves, men will be encouraged.”
