EXCLUSION FROM PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS; EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA: NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

The study examined the implications of excluding women from participation in the politics of Ebonyi State and its national development consequences. The study was predicated on the patriarchal theory which basically rationalizes and projects male dominance in political contestations. We relied on documentary method of data collection and hence collected our data through secondary sources. Data were analyzed through content and textual analysis. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent to which socioeconomic and cultural factors undermined women‟s political participation. Specifically, the study interrogated whether the exclusion of women from politics affected the development of Ebonyi State. The study demonstrated that there was a drastic fall in participation of women in Nigerian politics which fundamentally stultified national building and development. The paper recommended that all cultural and traditional harmful practices against women should be abolished in Nigeria by Government‟s strong policies which must be implemented and enforced accordingly.