The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) is calling on Nigeria’s lawmakers to make a bold leap toward gender equity in governance by creating 249 additional legislative seats exclusively for women at federal and state levels.
This demand was contained in a memorandum submitted by the group to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing held recently in Maiduguri, Borno State.
WRAPA’s Secretary General, Saudatu Mahdi, who led the advocacy, said the proposed “Additional and Reserved Seats for Women Bill” represents a transformative opportunity to reposition Nigeria for inclusive development through gender-balanced representation in governance.
According to the proposal, the Constitution would be amended to allocate:
One new senatorial seat per state and the Federal Capital Territory for women (totalling 37),
Two additional women-only seats in the House of Representatives per state (adding 74),
And one extra seat per senatorial district in every State Assembly reserved for female candidates (creating 108 seats).
Mahdi said the time has come for Nigeria to adopt bold, temporary measures that could begin to reverse the long-standing underrepresentation of women in politics. She proposed that the new seats operate under a special constituency arrangement exclusively for women over a 12-year period — spanning three electoral cycles — with a midterm review to assess impact and sustainability.
“This isn’t just about women,” Mahdi stressed. “It’s about Nigeria catching up with the rest of the world on gender-responsive governance. Countries making progress have taken deliberate steps, and this bill gives us that chance.”
Beyond gender representation, WRAPA’s memorandum also tackled concerns around the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral management body. The group is proposing a shift from presidential appointments to a more transparent, panel-led selection model for the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), inspired by Kenya’s IEBC process.
WRAPA argues that Sections 154(1) and 157 of the Constitution, which currently vest appointment powers solely in the Presidency, leave room for political interference, and erode public trust in the electoral system. The group is urging constitutional reform to strengthen INEC’s autonomy and bolster confidence in democratic processes.
“We believe that an independent selection process for INEC leadership would restore faith in our elections and ensure impartial oversight,” Mahdi stated.
The group’s call to action aligns with a growing chorus of civil society voices demanding institutional reforms that promote equity, transparency, and accountability.
Mahdi concluded by urging the 10th National Assembly to rise to the occasion and deliver what she described as “Nigeria’s Bill” — one that would not only empower women but also signal a historic shift toward a more representative democracy.
“This is a moment to act with courage,” she said. “We hope this Assembly will not miss the opportunity to rewrite history.”
