Coalition Urges Fast-Track for Women's Reserved Seats Bill

A coalition has called on the Nigerian National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the reserved seats for women bill, following the release of the 2027 general election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The coalition, led by Ham Adejar, emphasizes the need for clarity in the electoral calendar and the importance of legislative action within a narrow timeframe.

The proposed legislation includes House Bill 1349 and Senate Bill 550, which aim to create 182 reserved seats for women across the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as state houses of assembly. Currently, Nigeria has one of the lowest levels of female parliamentary representation globally, with women occupying less than five percent of seats in the National Assembly.

The coalition argues that this imbalance reflects structural barriers that weaken governance and erode public confidence in democratic institutions. They urge the leadership of the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of these bills to remove systemic barriers and enhance women's participation in the democratic process before the 2027 elections.