Nigeria Proposes Increased Women Representation in 2027

A proposal to amend Nigeria's constitution aims to increase the number of Senate seats from 109 to 121 and House of Representatives seats from 360 to 397 by 2027, specifically to enhance women's representation. This initiative, supported by Hon.

Iduma Igariwei, is part of a broader advocacy for women's inclusion in governance. The proposal includes 12 additional Senate seats and 37 House of Representatives seats exclusively for women, distributed across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones and 36 states.

The advocacy has intensified through zonal caucus meetings organized by the League of Women Voters Nigeria (NILOWV). The proposed special seats will not be contested in general elections but will be filled through an electoral college system.

John Ebikesey of APRC presented the proposal, which aims to ensure women's representation in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. The initiative is expected to take effect during the electoral cycles from 2027 to 2039.