National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. (Dr) Amina Darasimi Bryhm, has warned that unless urgent steps are taken to empower women and youth, Nigeria risks losing its competitive edge in governance and leadership.

Nigeria’s political leadership has continued to lag behind its African peers, particularly in terms of women’s representation, a situation that threatens the country’s democratic growth and socio-economic development.

Addressing a gathering of scholars, policymakers, and young leaders at the inaugural lecture of the African Institute for Statecraft International (AISI) yesterday, Mrs. Bryhm said that Nigeria’s youth, who are tagged the so-called leaders of tomorrow, have remained largely unprepared for governance roles. “Too often we call the youth the leaders of tomorrow, but when will they actually take their positions? Institutions like AISI exist to prepare them to lead—and to lead well,” she said, emphasizing the critical role of institutional mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders.

According to the PDP Women Leader, Nigeria is a country endowed with abundant natural resources, intellectual talent, and a youthful population. Yet decades of governance have failed to harness this potential, leaving a leadership vacuum and creating barriers for women’s participation in decision-making processes.

She highlighted the stark disparities in female political representation across Nigeria’s legislative bodies. In the Senate, only four out of 109 members are women, while in the House of Representatives, women occupy just 16 out of 360 seats. Across the country’s 36 states, 16 states have no female representation in their respective State Houses of Assembly. Overall, women hold less than 2 percent of legislative seats nationwide.

“While Nigeria struggles below 2 percent in women’s parliamentary representation, Rwanda is leading the continent with over 60 percent,” Mrs. Bryhm said. “Our women, who embody resilience and hope, are being left out of the conversation. This is a missed opportunity not only for women but for the nation as a whole.”

Rwanda’s success, she noted, demonstrates that with deliberate policies and institutional support, gender equity in politics is achievable. “Rwanda is proof that women can contribute meaningfully to national development when given equal opportunity. Nigeria must learn from this example,” she said.

The PDP Women Leader also emphasized the importance of strong institutions in bridging Nigeria’s leadership gap. She argued that empowering individuals alone is insufficient; sustainable progress requires robust structures that uphold accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.

“You cannot empower an individual alone,” she said. “It’s time to empower institutions that nurture leaders, uphold accountability, and include everyone—women, youth, and persons living with disabilities.”

The launch of AISI, she explained, is a significant step toward building such institutions. The institute is designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding needed to assume leadership positions across government, private sector, and civil society. Through research, mentorship, and practical training, AISI aims to foster a generation of leaders who prioritize service over power and development over self-interest.

The event also underscored the human dimension behind the statistics. Young women and men from universities, professional organizations, and civil society participated in the lecture, taking notes, asking questions, and sharing their aspirations for the future.

Mrs. Bryhm further stressed that the inclusion of women and youth is not just a moral imperative but also an economic and political necessity. Countries that fail to integrate these demographics into governance risk slow progress, weak institutions, and continued underdevelopment.

“Strong, ethical, and inclusive leadership is essential for national development. Nigeria cannot afford to remain behind while other African nations leverage their human capital effectively,” she said.

The convener of AISI, Edwin Adai, whom Mrs. Bryhm described as a visionary committed to actionable change, was lauded for translating ideas into practical initiatives that can shape Nigeria’s leadership landscape. “This is the time to harness ideas, mentor our youth, and build institutions that will not only lead Nigeria but inspire Africa,” she said.

As the lecture concluded, it was clear that Nigeria faces a pivotal moment in its political evolution. The challenges of gender disparity, youth exclusion, and weak institutions are real, but so are the opportunities for change. With initiatives like AISI and committed leaders willing to challenge the status quo, Nigeria has a chance to rise and take its place among Africa’s leading democracies.