NBA and PLAC Advocate for Women's Political Representation

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC) are pushing for enhanced women's representation in politics as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. During a strategic meeting held in Abuja, Uju Agomoh, chairperson of the NBA Section on Public Interest Development Law (SPIDEL), highlighted the importance of a bill that would create special seats for women in legislative assemblies.

Despite women constituting nearly half of Nigeria's population, they remain underrepresented in elected and appointed positions, which Agomoh described as a democratic deficit that undermines government legitimacy. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, stressed the urgency of passing the bill, which aims to provide a constitutional legal framework to increase women's participation in governance.

He warned that failure to pass the bill would be a significant setback for the constitutional amendment process. Kafilat Ogbara, chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs, emphasized that the issue of women's representation should no longer be sidelined, with support from various stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.