2027: Women Groups Pressure N’Assembly to Pass Special Seats Bill

By Abah Margaret

Women advocacy groups have intensified calls on the National Assembly of Nigeria to expedite action on the Special Seats for Women Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The renewed push comes as the National Assembly resumes plenary from recess, with stakeholders urging lawmakers to prioritise the proposed legislation.

In a joint move, leading organisations including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), League of Women Voters of Nigeria, National Association of Women Journalists, Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria, and International Federation of Women Lawyers have submitted formal petitions to lawmakers across the 36 states of the federation.

The groups said the letters were delivered directly to legislators, calling for swift passage of the bill to enhance women’s political representation.

President of NILOWV, Irene Awuna-Ikyegh, described the proposed legislation as a national development priority rather than just a gender-focused initiative.

According to her, the bill seeks to address the longstanding underrepresentation of women in governance and foster a more inclusive political system that reflects Nigeria’s diversity.

“These letters are to further strengthen support for special seats at the grassroots, engaging constituency leaders, policy influencers, and members of the 10th Assembly. This momentum shows Nigerian women have spoken with a unified voice for the passage of the bill,” she said.

Leaders of FIDA, NAWOJ, and NCWS also reiterated that the bill’s passage would significantly expand opportunities for women to contest and participate in elections nationwide.

Similarly, journalist and gender advocate, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, said the coordinated advocacy signals a critical moment for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through inclusive representation.

She noted that increasing women’s participation in governance would ensure broader perspectives in decision-making and contribute to national development.

The Special Seats for Women Bill is aimed at creating additional legislative seats for women, a move widely seen as a strategic step toward bridging gender gaps in Nigeria’s political space.