Forum calls for passage of Special Seats Bill, stronger party support for women ahead of 2027
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, the Women In Politics Forum (WIPF) has renewed calls for greater inclusion of women in political decision-making, warning that the country cannot fully realise its development potential while women remain significantly underrepresented in governance.
The Forum, in an Independence Day message signed by its Executive Director and National President, Ebere Ifendu, said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Nigeria’s resilience but also to reflect on the challenges confronting citizens and the need for more inclusive governance.
According to WIPF, rising living costs, insecurity, disruptions to farming and education, and declining public confidence in institutions have placed additional pressure on families and communities, with women and girls often carrying a disproportionate share of the burden.
The Forum noted that women frequently stretch limited household resources, care for displaced and vulnerable persons, sustain markets and farms, and help hold communities together, even as their representation in the institutions responsible for making decisions affecting their lives remains low.
WIPF particularly drew attention to women’s representation in the National Assembly, noting that women constitute roughly half of Nigeria’s population but occupy fewer than five per cent of seats in the federal legislature.
The organisation argued that the imbalance goes beyond representation, as decisions on national budgets, security, healthcare, education and electoral reforms are made in institutions where women’s voices remain limited.
It therefore described women’s political participation as a national development issue, rather than an issue concerning women alone.
“Democracy is incomplete when half the population is underrepresented,” the Forum said, stressing that Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to equal citizenship and its international obligations should translate into greater participation of women in political leadership.
WIPF also called attention to the forthcoming 2027 general elections, urging political parties to support the women who have emerged as candidates and provide them with the institutional backing necessary to participate meaningfully in the electoral process.
Special seats bill takes centre stage
At the heart of WIPF’s Independence Day message is its demand for the enactment of the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to create additional opportunities for women’s representation in legislative institutions through reserved seats.
The Forum called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to advance the proposed legislation and ensure that existing national and international commitments on gender equality are implemented.
Beyond legislation, WIPF urged political parties to address the barriers women face within party structures and support female candidates contesting the 2027 elections.
It also called on traditional and religious leaders, the media and community influencers to challenge social stereotypes and violence that discourage women from seeking or holding public office.
The Forum further appealed to men and boys to act as allies in promoting an inclusive political system, while urging women and young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, participate in elections and demand accountability from elected officials.
WIPF said women’s participation in governance should not be treated as a concession, but as part of their citizenship rights.
Beyond elections
The Forum’s position also points to a wider question about the quality of women’s participation in Nigeria’s democratic process beyond simply increasing the number of women contesting elections.
For women to secure sustainable representation, political parties, electoral institutions, communities and other stakeholders would need to address structural and social barriers that affect women’s entry into politics and their ability to remain active in public life.
WIPF said it has, since 2014, worked to build the skills, networks and safe spaces required to strengthen women’s participation in governance in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The organisation said it would continue with training, mentoring and advocacy aimed at making women’s participation in leadership more commonplace.
As Nigeria enters another year of independence, the Forum’s message places women’s political inclusion at the centre of its assessment of the country’s democratic progress, arguing that the nation’s future requires the participation of both women and men in shaping public policy and governance.
“Nigeria’s independence was won by the courage of men and women together. Its future will be secured the same way,” WIPF said.
