Women in politics - Women Times

Machado Vows to Become Venezuela’s First Female President ‘When the Right Time Comes’

by Women Times on January 16, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has reaffirmed her determination to become president, declaring she will lead the country “when the right time comes,” even as the United States continues to engage with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez following the dramatic ousting of Nicolás Maduro.

In an interview with Fox News’s Fox & Friends broadcast on Friday, January 16, 2026, Machado expressed unwavering confidence in her future role. “There’s a mission, and we are going to turn Venezuela into that land of grace, and I believe I will be elected when the right time comes as president of Venezuela, the first woman president,” she said.

The 58-year-old opposition figure, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for democracy amid years of persecution under the Maduro regime, made the comments shortly after a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. During that encounter, she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal as a “personal symbol of gratitude” on behalf of the Venezuelan people, in recognition of what she described as his “principled and decisive action” to secure a free Venezuela.

Machado described the gesture as an emotional moment and insisted she has a clear mandate from the Venezuelan people, stemming from the opposition’s claims of victory in the widely disputed 2024 presidential elections. “I want to serve my country where I am more useful. I got a mandate, and I have that mandate,” she told Fox News.

The remarks comes after a complex and fluid political transition in Venezuela. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing former President Nicolás Maduro and transferring him to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons. Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, assumed the role of interim president.

Despite Machado’s prominence in the opposition and international recognition, including her Nobel award, President Trump has declined to fully endorse her as the next leader. He has cited concerns over her level of domestic support and referenced lessons from the U.S. experience in Iraq, where abrupt dismantling of institutions led to long-term instability. Instead, the Trump administration has pursued direct engagement with Rodríguez, including a two-hour meeting in Caracas on Friday between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and the interim president. Discussions focused on economic collaboration, ending Venezuela’s role as a safe haven for adversaries, and oil sector reforms allowing greater foreign investment.

Rodríguez, in her first state of the union address since taking office, emphasized diplomatic dialogue with the U.S., defended national dignity, and announced steps to open Venezuela’s oil industry, moves seen as aligning with American interests.

Machado has framed the current dynamics not as personal rivalry but as a broader struggle against remnants of a “criminal structure.” She expressed optimism about an “orderly transition” to democracy, predicting a future Venezuela that would become “the best ally the U.S. has ever had in the Americas.”

Her Washington visit also included meetings with U.S. senators, where supporters greeted her with chants of “María, presidente” and Venezuelan flags.

While Venezuela navigates this post-Maduro era, with ongoing deportations of Venezuelans from the U.S. and international scrutiny, the opposition leader’s vow underscores persistent divisions over the path to stable, democratic governance in the oil-rich nation.

News Politics Trending Women in politics

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Invites Akpabio, Colleagues to Commission Constituency Projects in Kogi

by Women Times on October 30, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has formally invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all senators to the official commissioning of her constituency projects in Kogi State, marking her second anniversary in office.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area. The central gathering point will be her residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street. Senators traveling by air are advised to use the Obajana Airstrip, followed by a short road trip to the venue.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Senate President Akpabio personally read the senator’s handwritten invitation letter to the chamber. “In celebration of my two years as a serving Senator, I warmly invite my distinguished colleagues to join me in commissioning development projects in Kogi Central,” the letter stated.

Akpabio responded with a smile: “Congratulations in advance, Senator Natasha. We wish you a successful event.”

The invitation comes just two months after Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate on September 24, 2025, following a controversial six-month suspension imposed on March 6, 2025. The suspension stemmed from a heated dispute over her assigned seat in the chamber, which she claimed was changed without due process. Critics called the action politically motivated to silence her outspoken advocacy.

Since her return, the senator has been actively engaged in legislative work. She recently:

Sponsored an amendment to the Criminal Code Act (2025) to strengthen penalties for gender-based violence.

Introduced a bill to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centers for early diagnosis and support.

The projects to be commissioned include:

Solar-powered boreholes for rural communities

Women’s skills acquisition and training centers

Youth empowerment and vocational programs

Political observers view the invitation as a strategic gesture of reconciliation. “By bringing the Senate President to her home state, Senator Natasha is not just showcasing results, she’s rebuilding bridges,” said a senior legislative aide.

The event will highlight her focus on grassroots development despite past political battles. Elected in 2023 amid legal challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for women, youth, and rural infrastructure in Kogi Central.

Whether Senate President Akpabio will attend remains to be seen, but the invitation has already sparked positive reactions in the Red Chamber.

Women in Nigeria Women in politics

AAC Stands Firm Against Sexist Jokes Targeting Anambra Gubernatorial Hopeful

by Women Times on October 29, 2025

By Prosper Mene

The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned a wave of sexist jokes and online mockery aimed at its female candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike.

The party issued a statement defending her recent campaign photos, which have sparked widespread debate on social media. Ifemeludike, a Nollywood actress turned politician, shared the images to highlight her vision for inclusive leadership in a state long dominated by male figures.

The controversy erupted after Ifemeludike posted a series of striking photos and videos on X (formerly Twitter) on October 29. Dressed in elegant, modern attire that blended traditional Igbo elements with contemporary style, she positioned herself as a beacon of change. “I am the flag bearer of the African Action Congress and I’m proud to say that I’m the best candidate in the November 8 Anambra gubernatorial election,” she wrote.The posts aimed to challenge deep-rooted patriarchal norms, but instead drew criticism focused on her appearance rather than her policies.

AAC’s official response labeled the backlash as “sexist jokes and coded language” designed to sideline women in politics. “We have observed how our candidate, Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike, a vibrant and ideologically clear woman, is being judged by her outfit choice and physical features rather than the quality of her ideas,” the party stated. The statement urged Anambra voters to reject such misogyny and prioritize issues like development, security, and economic growth over superficial attacks.

Prominent voices within the party echoed this sentiment. Omoyele Sowore, AAC’s 2023 presidential candidate and national chairman, took to X to praise Ifemeludike as an “exemplary young woman” whose intelligence is being unfairly overshadowed. “It is profoundly disappointing that chauvinists are disparaging her groundbreaking ideas and remarkable intelligence by directing criticisms at her appearance,” Sowore wrote. He called for a focus on her character and capabilities, not her looks.

Social media reactions have been mixed, showcasing societal tensions around gender in Nigerian politics. Supporters like user Obinna Belonwu hailed her as “already the winner” for combining beauty with substance.Others, such as Kunlay, joked positively about needing a “baddie as the next governor.” However, detractors like Owolabi Bayo dismissed the photos as a “fashion parade,” arguing for candidates with “clear plans and proven capacity.” One critic even questioned her suitability based on a single image, prompting accusations of moral panic from defenders.

Ifemeludike herself addressed the stereotypes head-on in a campaign video. She spoke candidly about navigating male-dominated spaces, saying, “In Anambra State, many still believe that a woman who squats to urinate cannot oversee the affairs of the state.”

Drawing from her experiences as an actress and activist, she emphasized that her run is about competence and integrity, not gender. “I have the ability, capability, and capacity to run this race with any gender,” she affirmed, calling for an end to vote-buying, violence, and corruption.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges for women in Nigerian elections, where female candidates often face scrutiny beyond their platforms. AAC framed the attacks as unsurprising, pointing to similar biases in institutions like the National Assembly. As the campaign heats up, Ifemeludike’s team vows to keep the spotlight on her agenda: inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and restoring Anambra’s dignity. With just over a week until polls open, her story has galvanized discussions on whether the state is ready for its first female governor.

Party leaders warn that such tactics aim to “shrink women out of political spaces,” but Ifemeludike remains undeterred. “Beauty and elegance are about courage, kindness, and intelligence. Ndi Anambra must vote for social change,” she declared in her post.

As supporters rally online with hashtags like #VoteChioma and #BreakThePatriarchy, the election could mark a turning point for gender equality in Anambra’s leadership. Voters are left to decide: Will they judge the book by its cover, or embrace the ideas within?

News Politics Trending Uncategorized Women in politics

INEC Rejects Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

by Women Times on April 3, 2025

By Prosper Mene

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing its failure to meet constitutional requirements.

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC disclosed that the petition, submitted by some constituents of Kogi Central, did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

This section mandates that a recall petition must be supported by signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the constituency. With Kogi Central having 474,554 registered voters, the petition required at least 237,278 valid signatures to proceed. However, after a thorough verification process, INEC confirmed only 208,132 signatures, equating to 43.86%—falling short by 29,146 signatures.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the matter,” INEC stated via its official X account, @INECNigeria.

The recall effort stemmed from controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Some constituents, citing her suspension and dissatisfaction with her conduct, initiated the recall process, submitting the petition to INEC on March 24. The commission had initially acknowledged receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents purportedly containing over 250,000 signatures.

Despite the petitioners’ claims, INEC’s verification revealed discrepancies, including the cancellation of approximately 35,000 signatures during the administrative review. The constituents, led by spokesperson Salihu Habib, expressed frustration but vowed to persist, asserting that the validated 43.86% still reflected widespread discontent with the senator. “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambit of the constitution to demand transparency,” Habib said in a statement, hinting at potential further action.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy. In a post on Social Media, she praised INEC, stating, “INEC Nigeria, you did well. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Proudly Kogi Central.” In a subsequent statement, she took a swipe at her detractors, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, claiming, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC.”

INEC emphasized that the review adhered to its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, ensuring fairness and due process. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, defended the commission’s impartiality on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissing allegations of bias. “The petitioners failed to meet legal requirements. There’s no partisanship here,” he said.

The rejection marks the end of this recall attempt, though questions linger about whether the process could be reinitiated. Oyekanmi noted that the law does not explicitly limit repeat petitions, leaving room for speculation about future political maneuvers in Kogi Central.

News Politics Women in politics

Nigerian Women in Politics: Triumphs Shadowed by Turmoil.

by Women Times on March 26, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In Nigeria’s political arena, women are scripting a story of striking contrasts—celebrated trailblazers breaking barriers, yet battling a relentless tide of sexism and exclusion. Today, this duality took center stage as public discourse spotlighted both the triumphs and tribulations of Nigerian women in leadership, a narrative unfolding against the backdrop of a nation where female representation remains stubbornly low.

The triumphs are undeniable. Figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the globally lauded Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Aisha Yesufu, the firebrand activist who co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls movement, stand as beacons of what Nigerian women can achieve. Their names trended online today, praised for reshaping narratives of leadership and resilience. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of just four women in Nigeria’s 109-member Senate, joined their ranks—her recent defiance against alleged harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio earning her widespread admiration. “These women are proof we belong at the table,” said Kemi Adebayo, a political analyst in Lagos. “They’re not just surviving—they’re rewriting the rules.”

Yet, the turmoil is equally stark. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s story took a dramatic turn today when the judge hearing her appeal against a six-month Senate suspension withdrew, citing pressure from Akpabio’s camp. The suspension, handed down after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, has ignited outrage among women’s groups, who see it as a blatant attempt to muzzle dissent. “This is what happens when women speak truth to power in Nigeria,” said activist Oby Ezekwesili, herself verbally attacked by a pro-Akpabio senator this week. The episode underscores a grim reality: with women holding just 3.7% of National Assembly seats—ranking Nigeria 179th globally for female representation, per UN data—progress remains a battlefield.

Social media captured the tension vividly. Posts today hailed heroines like Okonjo-Iweala and Yesufu, while others lambasted women like First Lady Remi Tinubu and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, for allegedly aligning with controversial political agendas. “We celebrate the queens who lift us up, but call out those who prop up the system dragging us down,” one X user wrote, summing up the polarized sentiment. The criticism reflects a broader frustration: even as some women ascend, others are seen as complicit in a patriarchy that keeps most locked out.

The numbers tell a sobering tale. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, female representation has barely budged, a stark contrast to neighbors like Rwanda, where women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats. Cultural barriers—derogatory labels like “prostitute” hurled at female candidates, as seen in past Bauchi elections—and structural hurdles like exorbitant campaign costs keep the glass ceiling intact. “It’s not enough to have a few stars,” said Funmi Oladele, a gender studies professor at the University of Ibadan. “We need a system that lets every woman with vision step forward.”

Today’s developments hint at both hope and hurdles. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fight has galvanized women’s networks, with protests planned in Abuja next week. Meanwhile, younger voices—like 28-year-old Zainab Yusuf, who announced her 2027 candidacy for a state assembly seat—signal a rising tide. “I’m inspired by the triumphs, but I’m running because of the turmoil,” Yusuf said. “We can’t wait for permission anym

ore.”

This gives an insight on the struggles and wins of women in the Nigerian political landscape.
(more…)

News Politics Trending Women in politics

Senator Natasha’s Suspension Battle Intensifies: Judge Steps Down Amid Bias Claims.

by Women Times on March 26, 2025

By Prosper Mene

The legal fight over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate took a dramatic turn today as Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja recused himself from her case. The judge’s withdrawal, prompted by a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio alleging bias, has thrown yet another wrench into the embattled senator’s bid to overturn what she calls an “illegal” punishment, escalating a saga that has gripped the nation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central and one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, was suspended without pay on March 6 following her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio. The suspension, upheld by a majority vote after the Senate ethics committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, stripped her of security details, barred her from the National Assembly, and halted her salaries—measures she and her supporters decry as vindictive. Today’s courtroom twist came as Egwuatu stepped aside, citing Akpabio’s challenge to his impartiality, and returned the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. No new hearing date has been set, leaving the senator’s fate in limbo.

The escalation has fueled outrage among women’s rights advocates and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, who see the suspension as a blatant attempt to silence a rare female voice in Nigeria’s male-dominated legislature. “This is a travesty,” said Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of TechHerNG, a women’s rights group. “The Senate’s actions, now compounded by this judicial delay, send a chilling message: speak out, and you’ll be crushed.” Protests erupted outside the National Assembly earlier this month, with supporters chanting “Akpabio must go,” while counter-demonstrations backing the Senate president underscored the polarized public response.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s troubles began in February when a seating dispute in the Senate chamber spiraled into a public clash with Akpabio. She accused him of tying her legislative motions to demands for sexual favors—an explosive claim he denies. The Senate insists her suspension stems not from the harassment allegations but from “gross misconduct,” including disruptive behavior and defiance of chamber rules. Yet, critics, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, call it “legislative recklessness,” arguing it flouts natural justice and disenfranchises Kogi Central voters.

The legal battle has been fraught from the start. Egwuatu had issued an interim order on March 4 halting the Senate’s disciplinary process, only for the ethics committee to proceed anyway—a move Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team branded as contemptuous. Akpabio, meanwhile, has fought back, filing an appeal on March 20 to stay the High Court proceedings, claiming the judge’s rulings undermined legal norms. Today’s recusal hands him a tactical win, though it delays resolution further.

Public sentiment, especially online, is a cauldron of anger and support. Akpoti-Uduaghan, undeterred, has taken her case global, addressing the United Nations earlier this month and vowing to continue serving her people “till 2027 and beyond.”