Women advocates push for urgent passage of special seats bill
Women advocates from the Africa Faith and Justice Network are urging the National Assembly to quickly pass the Special Seats Bill to enhance women’s participation in politics. The group warns that further delays could exclude women from the 2027 general elections. Sister Eucharia Madueke, the Coordinator of the Women Empowerment Project, emphasized the need for swift action as political parties prepare for primaries. The advocates are also calling on the media to amplify their demands and highlight the importance of the bill.
What we know
- Sister Eucharia Madueke stated that the Special Seats Bill is essential for women’s inclusion in the 2027 elections.
- The bill aims to alter the 1999 Constitution to create 74 additional seats for women in the National Assembly and similar seats in state assemblies.
- The group highlighted structural barriers and called for reforms to make political participation safer and more flexible for women.
- Dr Amaka Ilochgwe noted Nigeria’s legal and moral obligations under international treaties to promote gender equality in governance.
- The bill has already passed second reading in the House of Representatives but is yet to be fully passed and assented to.
