Opeyemi Bamidele proposes 74 women’s seats in Assembly

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) announced that the National Assembly is contemplating a constitutional amendment to establish 74 additional seats reserved for women in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This proposal, disclosed during the 2026 Law Week organized by the Ekiti State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), aims to create 37 special seats in each chamber, ensuring that every state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) receives one dedicated seat.

Additionally, the constitution review committee has proposed three extra seats for female lawmakers in each of the 36 State Houses of Assembly. Bamidele clarified that these special seats would not displace existing electoral constituencies.

The initiative includes a temporary "sunset clause" for 16 years, allowing for a comprehensive review after four electoral cycles. Bamidele emphasized that this bill is a crucial national reform to enhance women's political participation, supported by advocacy from leaders such as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

Federal lawmakers are also engaging State Houses of Assembly to secure the necessary constitutional concurrence for the amendment.