A Nigerian feminist has ignited a fierce debate on gender, politics and power after declaring that she would rather stay away from the polls than obtain her Permanent Voter Card to vote for a man.

In a passionate monologue that has circulated widely online, she argued that men are at the root of most of the world’s problems, from war and corruption to economic instability. According to her, the global record of male leadership is proof that entrusting power to men has failed.

She insisted that countries led by women tend to perform better, claiming that female leaders are more inclined toward empathy, social welfare and long-term stability. For her, this contrast is enough reason to make a personal vow never to support a male candidate, regardless of party or promises.

The feminist went further, accusing men of being unwilling to extend the same openness to women in politics. She maintained that many women are prepared to vote for competent male candidates if they believe such leaders can improve their country. Men, she alleged, would rather endure inflation, insecurity and unpopular policies than cast their ballots for a woman, simply because they “hate women.”

Her comments touched on Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with banditry, economic hardship and public dissatisfaction with leadership. She framed these crises as symptoms of a male-dominated political culture that sidelines women’s voices and perspectives.

She also criticised what she described as women “shining their teeth” for men, suggesting that many women still seek male approval despite living in a world where, in her view, nature itself is matriarchal. Drawing on examples from the animal kingdom, she argued that females often play central roles in organising and sustaining groups, and that human societies should reflect a similar balance of power.

In her ideal political order, if a man must lead, he would do so as an assistant, taking direction from women rather than dominating them. She described misogyny as a global epidemic, but particularly entrenched in Nigeria, where female politicians and activists routinely face hostility, mockery and structural barriers.

Her stance has divided opinion online, with some praising her for highlighting deep-seated sexism, while others accuse her of promoting reverse discrimination and undermining the principle of voting based on competence rather than gender.