Stakeholders advocating for the passage of the Special Seats Bill say the proposed legislation is a litmus test for the integrity, inclusiveness, and maturity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
At a media parley held in Abuja on Monday, themed “The Special Seats Bill – An Urgent Call to Action for Women’s Representation,” speakers rallied political leaders and grassroots communities alike to support the bill, comparing it to the transformative not-too-young-to-run movement.
President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Hon. Irene Awunah- Ikyegh said the bill, which seeks to reserve seats for women in the National Assembly, is a crucial opportunity for Nigeria to address its stark gender imbalance in political leadership. Speaking under a UN Women-supported campaign, she urged lawmakers, political parties and citizens to support the constitutional amendment.
“The ongoing constitutional review offers a rare chance to embed gender equity in our governance. The President has rightly described this bill as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic values. Just as we succeeded with the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill, we must now unite to ensure women have a seat at the decision-making table,” she said.
A representative of RACE Africa, Evelyn Ugben noted that the campaign, which began in Abuja, has expanded into several states and is now engaging religious bodies, political parties and legislators at the federal and state levels. She emphasized that public awareness is key.
“We are not just speaking with lawmakers. We are reaching out to the electorate, the people who vote these lawmakers into office. Voters must understand how their representatives’ support or rejection of this bill will shape Nigeria’s democratic character, especially as we approach the 2027 elections,” Ugben said.
She added that grassroots women are not passive observers but active participants in changing Nigeria’s political landscape. By encouraging women to engage at ward levels and rise through political ranks, the campaign aims to challenge the long-standing barriers that keep women out of political office.
Executive director of Inclusive Skills Initiative, Angelina Ugben linked the campaign to broader electoral reforms. She highlighted that trust in Nigeria’s electoral process must be restored through real-time electronic transmission of results, aligning with the bill’s goal of fair and inclusive representation.
“When people believe their votes count, they become invested in the democratic system. That’s why we are integrating this campaign with broader reforms that aim to restore electoral credibility,” she said.
Vice-president of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche emphasised that the campaign is pushing for community dialogues, endorsements from traditional, political and religious leaders and strong advocacy to ensure women are represented at all levels of governance.
“We are not asking for favours or handouts. This is about fairness, representation, and the democratic right of women to have a say in how this country is run,” she said.
Science Nigeria reports that the Special Seats Bill, introduced by Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to create six additional seats in the House of Representatives. These would be designated for historically underrepresented groups—persons with disabilities (PWDs), women, youth, senior citizens, indigenous peoples or minorities and civil society organisations.
If passed, the bill will introduce a new Section 48A to the Constitution, effectively expanding the House’s composition and institutionalising space for inclusive participation in national legislative processes.
Proponents say the bill aligns with Nigeria’s international obligations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 16 on inclusive institutions. They argue that this is not just about boosting numbers but about improving the quality of Nigeria’s democracy by reflecting the country’s diverse experiences and realities.
The bill, according to advocates, would ensure that voices from marginalized communities are heard in the policy-making process. With broader perspectives in the National Assembly, legislation would become more responsive to the social, economic and cultural challenges facing different groups of Nigerians.
As the country moves closer to the next constitutional review window, stakeholders insist that the Special Seats Bill presents a defining moment for Nigeria. Its passage would not only elevate women and other marginalised groups but also redefine the essence of democracy as one that truly represents and includes all its people.
