Public Affairs Analyst, Ridwan Adelaja, has accused the Nigerian media of contributing to the marginalisation of women and youths in politics by giving more attention to entertainment and gossip than governance and policy issues.

Adelaja made the assertion while featuring on SaharaTV’s Hot Topic programme, which focused on women and youth participation in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The debates have continued to escalate over the participation and representation of women and youths in Nigerian politics.

In 2023, women accounted for 10.4 per cent of candidates, while youths aged 35 and below accounted for 18.3 per cent, according to figures cited from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by Yiaga Africa and UN Women.

The 10th National Assembly currently has 3.6 per cent female representation.

Adelaja who was the former media aide to Minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo questioned the preparedness and availability of women to participate in political dialogues, stressing that political participation should not be limited to seeking elective positions.

“How available are our women for political dialogues, let alone positions or offices?” he questioned.

He argued that women must take an active role in demanding greater inclusion in the political process.

According to him, the narrative of marginalisation would continue unless women became more actively involved in politics.

“Dear women, men are not going to fight your battle. It is assumed that you are not interested in politics. And, that’s fine. So, let’s stop this attitude of screaming marginalisation year-on-year. There is a lot of work to be done to get it. It’s okay to do it. It is okay not to do it,” he added.

The analyst also called for greater accountability within the media industry, noting that issues of national importance often receive less attention than entertainment and gossip.

“Before we call out politicians, perhaps we should also call out media practitioners. Accountability and responsibility must be collective.

“We cannot allocate barely 30 minutes to conversations of national importance, while generously devoting hours to gossip and entertainment. Perhaps that is where the revolution should begin. By prioritizing what truly matters to the development of our nation. How far can lip-service really take us?,” he questioned.

Adelaja said Nigeria needed more substantive conversations on governance to drive national development.