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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a fiery national press briefing confronting Nigeria’s gender gap in politics, National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mary Idele, rallied women leaders from all parties to demand immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill. She branded the country’s rock-bottom female representation a national crisis that silences half the population.
Organised by Nigerian Women and the National Women Leaders Forum of Political Parties, with PLAC support, the event saw Idele address senators, lawmakers, chiefs, students, and journalists: “It is with great honour and humility that I stand before you today — on behalf of the national women leaders of various political parties and indeed Nigerian women everywhere — to speak on a matter of national importance: the Special Seats Bill for women in our National Assembly.”
Idele spotlighted the stark numbers: As of early 2025, Nigerian women hold just 3.9% of seats in the House of Representatives and 2.8% in the Senate. In the 10th NASS, only 4 out of 109 senators (2.7%) and 17 out of 360 House members (4.7%) are women, totalling a mere 4.2% across 469 seats. State assemblies fare only slightly better, with just 5.5% female representation and 13 states having zero women lawmakers. She compared this to Rwanda (63.8%), South Africa (44.7%), Cape Verde (44.4%), Ethiopia (41.9%), and Senegal (41.2%), highlighting Nigeria’s lag in gender equity.
She thanked the APC leadership under Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, President Bola Tinubu, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their support, and saluted PLAC and all female lawmakers past and present: “Your bravery, resilience, and service inspire us all. Your presence here — and your past, present, and future contributions — reaffirm our belief: the time is now.”
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The Special Seats Bill seeks to reserve additional seats for women in national and state assemblies to guarantee minimum representation. The Bill failed in the 9th Assembly and now faces a defining vote under current NASS leadership. “This is not a radical demand: it is a just corrective. It is a step toward ensuring women’s voices are heard in the making of laws, not as afterthoughts,” Idele asserted.
Her call to action rallied all actors: “Members of the National Assembly — you not only represent your constituents but must ensure justice and equity for all; support the Bill. Governors — urge your state assemblies to pass the amendments. Democracy’s future depends on it. Traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society, media, and youth — keep the pressure alive. Advocate. Mobilise. Inform. Hold leadership accountable.”
Concluding, Idele stated: “This is not just about numbers. It is about justice, equity, and building a democracy that truly reflects the diversity of Nigeria. Support the passage of the Special Seats Bill. Let us give women equity in representation.”
