In heated Nigeria elections, more women elbow up to political table
On the morning of Nigeria’s legislative primaries, Martha Agba woke up feeling confident. She hoped to become the first woman representing her constituency in the House of Representatives, and had spent months canvassing everyone from grassroots women’s associations to local chiefs. Now, it was up to her party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to trust she would be the best candidate in elections early next year.
She knew it would be a tough race, but she hoped it would be a fair one.
A few minutes into the rowdy event, as she was making small talk with other delegates, a man gestured at her and started shouting.
“Go and marry and take care of your husband’s house!” she recalls him yelling, while onlookers laughed in response.
