Fact Check: Are Women Underrepresented in Benue State Politics?

 

Claim

Women are poorly represented in elective and political leadership positions in Benue State.

Verification

A 2025 study titled, “The Gendered Politics of Power: Women’s Representation and Political Leadership in Benue State”, found that women in Benue remain “largely underrepresented in political leadership” due to male-dominated political structures, economic barriers, and party gatekeeping.

 Source : university of Jos Journal Study

Despite Benue being a major political state in North-Central Nigeria, only a few women currently hold prominent elective offices. A few of examples include:

Regina Akume representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency

Blessing Onuh representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency

Dorathy Mato from Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency(former)

Historical records show that Margaret Icheen became the first female Speaker of  the Benue State House of Assembly and indeed the first female Speaker in Nigeria. Since then, such milestones have not been replicated and remained a rare feat in Benue politics.

Hon Chief Mrs Margaret Icheen, first female Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly.

In March 2025, women groups in Benue launched a campaign demanding greater political representation for women, citing long-standing exclusion from governance and elective positions.

 Source: Federal Ministry of Information Report

Investigations revealed that no woman has tested the seat of governor since the inception of the State in 1976. Currently, out of the three Senatorial seats from the State none is occupied by a woman.

From the current list of Benue Assembly members available, the gender composition is:

Male members: 30

Female members: 2

The notable female lawmakers include:

Hon. Danladi Lami — Ado Constituency

Hon. Beckie Orpin — Gboko East Constituency

Verdict

✅ True

Women are underrepresented in Benue State politics. Although a few women have held notable offices, verifiable studies and political records show that men still dominate elective and leadership positions across the state.

This piece  was produced in collaboration with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) as part of its Media Fellowship in Benue State.

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