As the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists for the 2027 general elections draws closer, a coalition of women’s groups has stepped up pressure on the National Assembly, staging a protest in Abuja and demanding the swift passage of the special seats bill.
The protesters stormed the National Assembly premises on Wednesday, carrying banners with inscriptions such as “Nigerian Women National Rally on Submission of Constituency Petition for the Passage of the Special Seats Bill.”
Call for Legislative Support
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Irene Ikyegh, president of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, urged lawmakers in both chambers to support the proposed legislation.
She said the group had submitted a petition to members of the National Assembly to intensify pressure for the bill’s passage.
Ikyegh also appealed for the rejection of any attempt to block the bill, calling for urgent consideration.
“We urge you to use your positions to ensure this bill is passed. We are also calling for an emergency sitting to vote on it,” she said.
Push for Inclusion and Representation
Ikyegh expressed optimism that lawmakers would back the bill, describing it as a step towards strengthening democratic inclusion and improving women’s representation in governance.
RELATED NEWS:
- Women Affairs Ministry, NPC Join Forces to Boost Birth Registration, Improved Population Data Access
- FG Targets Credit, Contracts Gap for Women Businesses
- Civil Society Demands Women’s Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections
She added that the coalition had earlier visited constituency offices and residences of lawmakers to deliver similar petitions, some of which were received directly while others were submitted in their absence.
According to her, the latest visit was to submit outstanding copies and acknowledge earlier submissions.
Constitutional Basis of Demand
Reading from the petition, Ikyegh said the demand is based on constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom from discrimination and citizens’ right to participate in governance.
She noted that women, who make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population and contribute significantly to national development, remain largely excluded from elective positions.
Ikyegh described their representation—less than five per cent—as a gap in the country’s democratic system.
Comparative Examples and Legislative History
She said the proposal aligns with practices in countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, where affirmative action has improved women’s political participation.
Ikyegh also recalled that similar bills failed in the 9th and 10th National Assemblies, urging lawmakers to show stronger political will this time.
About the Bill
The special seats bill seeks to address gender imbalance in political representation by creating additional legislative seats reserved for women in the National Assembly and state houses of assembly.
The bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to create 74 seats for women in the National Assembly and has already passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.