PATRIARCHY AND POLITICS OF EXCLUSION IN NIGERIA: INTERROGATING THE CULTURAL AND POLICY DIMENSIONS OF THE PHENOMENON

Abstract

The Nigerian political space is such that it is gender biased. This politics of exclusion became worse after 1999. Thereby violating the value of inclusivity which is the hallmark of democratic government. By examining participants' opinions, this study interrogates the underlying issues and drivers of the politics of exclusion in contemporary Nigeria. The study employs a quantitative methodology to know how participants assess the phenomenon. The study results reveal that cultural beliefs have significantly placed women in a disadvantaged position in politics. Furthermore, poor execution of both domestic and international policy on gender equality in politics was also implicated in the study. Other insignificant factors such as poor education and lack of support among women in local and national politics were also discovered to be limiting women's political relevance in the country. The immediate need for a wider sensitization programme especially among men to accommodate women within the political space and appeal to government agencies, and political parties are strongly recommended in this study to ensure gender balance in the country.