House Urges Priority for Women's Seats Bill as Electoral Clock Ticks
The House of Representatives called on members to prioritize the Special Seats for Women Bill, warning further delay undermines gender representation efforts. Jesse Onuakalusi (ADC, Lagos) moved the motion of urgent public importance during Thursday's plenary. The bill seeks constitutionally backed affirmative action via additional seats exclusively for women in National and State Assemblies. It is one of 44 Constitution Alteration Bills scheduled for 2025 voting yet to be concluded, reflecting slowdown in constitutional amendment process.
Onuakalusi noted women's elective office representation remains below five percent—among lowest globally—calling it a "fundamental democratic deficit." He cited Kenya, South Africa and others where quota systems increased female participation. Nigeria's commitments to CEDAW, Maputo Protocol and ECOWAS Gender Policy support the bill. However, with INEC fixing party primaries between April 23 and May 30, the legislation may not impact the current electoral cycle even if passed now, highlighting recurring delays on gender reforms.
Will lawmakers fast-track this bill before INEC's May 30 deadline to ensure women's inclusion in upcoming elections, or accept another cycle of inadequate representation despite constitutional obligations and international commitments?