By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Hundreds of women, and civil society organisations on staged a solidarity march to the National Assembly on Thursday, urging the lawmakers to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women, a constitutional amendment designed to increase female representation in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
Persecondnews correspondent who joined the rally at the National Assembly gates in Abuja, reports that banners and placards-carrying participants called on the Senate and House of Representatives to support the proposed legislation, describing it as a critical step toward inclusive governance and democratic representation.
The rally, organised by women’s rights groups, civil society organisations and supporters under the aegis of He4She movement, had visited the complex ahead of the consideration of the bill.
Speaking at exclusively to persecondnews, the Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Gender, Yesinde Olasimbo, described the bill as a source of hope for young women and youths aspiring to participate in politics and governance.
“It gives me hope knowing that Nigeria is going to open the doors for youths to be able to contest elections and win, and it gives me hope knowing that we young women are not left behind,” Olasupo said.
She expressed confidence that the bill would secure legislative approval, noting that years of advocacy had brought it closer to passage than ever before.
“This bill was introduced in the 9th Assembly and failed, but this is the first time the momentum has been built to this level. The older women gave us wings to fly and made sure we saw it through to the end,” she said.
Princess Edna D.D. Azura, President of National Council of the Society for Women who also spoke to Persecondnews, said she was optimistic that the bill would be passed, adding that it would guarantee fair representation for women in Nigeria’s political space.
“I’m positive that the bill will be passed and women will get the representation they deserve,” she said.
Also speaking, Ene Obi, human rights activist and a member of the Civil Society Situation Room and the Women Political Participation Technical Working Group, stressed the importance of civic and political education in strengthening democracy.
“Political education is lacking in Nigeria. INEC, the National Orientation Agency and political parties need to do more to educate citizens. When people feel their votes do not count, it discourages participation and weakens democracy,” Obi said.
She described the Special Seats Bill as the outcome of years of advocacy, coalition-building and engagement with stakeholders.
“If the bill passes, it will be a celebration for Nigerian women. A lot of work, coalition-building and advocacy have gone into this effort. We will appreciate the National Assembly for recognising women and opening new opportunities ahead of 2027,” she added.
The National President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Irene Mngupado Awunah-Ikyegh, said the proposed legislation would mark a major milestone for democratic inclusion in Nigeria and across Africa.
“If this bill is passed, it will mean something great has happened in Nigeria and Africa. It will show that Nigeria’s democracy is becoming more inclusive, and we are here to encourage lawmakers to support it,” Awunah-Ikyegh said.
Similarly, the National President of the Women in Politics Forum (WiPF), Barr. Ebere Ifendu, argued that the proposal was in line with constitutional principles designed to protect and empower underrepresented groups.
“This is not preferential treatment as some critics claim. The Constitution already recognises the need to support underrepresented groups. What we are asking for is inclusion, fairness and a democracy that reflects all segments of society,” Ifendu said.
Supporters of the bill say it seeks to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in elective offices by creating additional seats for women in the National Assembly and state legislatures.
Proponents of the bill maintain that passing it will break down barriers to political inclusion, ensuring women are actively at the table to shape laws that govern the nation.
As reported by Persecondnews, the atmosphere at the rally was one of intense optimism.
Activists are urging lawmakers to seize what they call a monumental chance to champion gender equality in Nigeria.
All eyes are now on the National Assembly as lawmakers prepare for a crucial showdown vote this Thursday, 11 June 2026.
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