THE EFFECT OF WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOBE STATE: A CASE STUDY OF POTISKUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

This study investigated the effect of women's participation on the political development of Yobe State, focusing on Potiskum Local Government Area. The statement of the problem centres on the profound underrepresentation of women in Yobe’s political sphere, a deficit that negatively impacts democratic consolidation and equitable development. Women are relegated to the peripheries, facing "double marginalization" rooted in entrenched patriarchal norms, restrictive cultural practices, and institutional biases. The primary objective was to examine this impact, determine the influence of socio-cultural and financial barriers, and identify challenges to recommend viable strategies. The study adopted a descriptive survey methodology. Primary data was gathered via 120 retrieved questionnaires (from 150 administered) in Potiskum LGA, representing an 80% response rate. Data was analysed using simple frequency and percentage tables. The findings revealed that financial constraints are the most significant barrier, with 60% of respondents identifying the high cost of politics as the primary deterrent. This is compounded by severe socio-cultural and religious barriers; 65% agreed that religious teachings discourage female leadership, while 70.8% cited the practice of purdah as a major obstacle. Furthermore, institutional discrimination is pervasive, with 65% viewing party selection processes as unfair and 84.6% of female aspirants reporting intimidation from male competitors. The study concluded that Yobe's political development is sub-optimal due to this gender exclusion. Key recommendations include the institutionalization of a 50% waiver on nomination forms for women, robust sensitization campaigns by government and religious bodies to counter negative stereotypes, and decisive state action to curb political violence. Limitations included financial and time constraints for the researcher.