Women leaders across various political parties have intensified advocacy for the passage of the Special Seats Bill (SSB), urging the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and the media to rally behind the proposed constitutional amendment as lawmakers prepare for a decisive vote.
Speaking at a stakeholder roundtable snd a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, the women leaders emphasised that the Special Seats Bill represents a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s long-standing gender imbalance in political leadership.
They noted that despite women’s significant contributions to national development, their representation in elective offices remains among the lowest in Africa.
The coalition called on members of the National Assembly to demonstrate political will by voting in favour of the amendment, stressing that increasing women’s political participation would strengthen governance, deepen democracy, and improve policy outcomes for all citizens.
The APC National Woman Leader, Dr Mary Alile, said legislators had a duty not only to represent their constituencies but to promote equity in governance by supporting the bill.
She also urged traditional rulers to use their influence within communities to promote the bill, while media organisations were encouraged to amplify public awareness and counter misconceptions surrounding the proposed amendment.
According to the advocates, “the Special Seats Bill is not a favour to women but a strategic framework designed to expand inclusion and ensure that Nigeria’s political system reflects the diversity of its population. ]”
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the planned vote as a historic moment, coinciding with the 16 days of activism against sexual and gender-based violence.
She maintained that without deliberate structural reforms, women would continue to face systemic barriers to political participation.
She noted that Nigeria had a wide gender representation gap at the national assembly and in other decision-making spaces, saying the bill aimed to address historic imbalances through the creation of additional seats for women.
She reaffirmed her commitment to sustained engagement with all relevant institutions until the bill is passed, describing the moment as a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to move closer to equitable and inclusive governance.
In a separate event,the Executive Director of PLAC, Mr Clement Nwankwo, said the bill had become a defining issue for the 10th National Assembly, adding that it now reflected a popular demand of Nigerians, not just women.
“Our expectation is that the National Assembly will do what citizens are asking. If this bill is not passed, Nigerians may judge the 10th Assembly a failure, regardless of other achievements,” Nwankwo said.
He urged civil society groups to sustain pressure on legislators until the final vote, noting that the initiative was uniquely Nigerian and could position the country as a model internationally.
The Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon Kafilat Ogbara, described the bill as more than a legislative proposal, saying it embodied the collective commitment to securing women’s rightful place in governance.
“We are building a strong case for why this legislation is necessary. As we prepare for the upcoming vote, possibly on December 9, we are counting votes, collecting signatures and engaging lawmakers both in the House and Senate,” she said.
Ogbara stressed that mobilisation would continue until the final decision, calling on advocates nationwide to intensify community engagement and awareness campaigns.
“Our work does not end here. Together, we can create a groundswell of support that cannot be ignored,” she added.
