The Forum of National Women Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria (NWLFPPN) has made a strong call to the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently pass and sign into law the long-pending Reserved Seats for Women Bill, declaring it a historic step toward gender inclusion and democratic equity.
Its President, (Dr) Mrs. Amina Darasimi Bryhm, made the call Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing titled “Equity Now: The Urgent Need for Reserved Seats for Women in Nigeria’s Political Governance.”
She emphasized that the forum, in collaboration with National Youth Leaders of Political Parties, is united in its commitment to ensuring the swift passage of the Bill, aimed at reserving special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies to address chronic underrepresentation.
“The time for promises is over the time for action is now. We urge the National Assembly to rise to the occasion and pass this Bill immediately. It is not just a women’s issue; it is a national imperative.”
“We call on President Tinubu to stand with Nigerian women and demonstrate leadership by assenting to the Bill once it is passed. This is the moment to make history,” Dr. Bryhm stated.
The press briefing, convened by NWLFPPN in collaboration with Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria, was the outcome of a strategic meeting held in Abuja. The leaders demanded that political parties and government institutions move beyond lip service and take concrete legislative action to correct gender imbalance in Nigeria’s democratic structures.
“How can you have 50% of the population underrepresented? How does it look when only 4 women sit in a 109-member Senate? Or just 16 in the 360-member House of Representatives?” Dr. Bryhm asked pointedly.
According to the forum, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill represents a necessary constitutional amendment that will not only increase women’s visibility in governance but also strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, deepen representation, and promote national development.
“Let Women Sit at the Table” they stressed.
Responding to questions from the media on what women bring to governance, the forum argued that women must first be in the table before the expectations in what they can bring, stressing however that women have the capacity, competence, and integrity to govern and must be given the platform to do so.
“Before you ask what women will do with the seats, we must first sit at the table. Women’s presence ensures that issues affecting not just women, but children, youth, and people with disabilities are addressed. We bring accountability to the table.”
“We are not just looking for any women. We are putting forward women with capacity, credibility, and readiness to contest and lead,” they stated.
A central message from the Forum was the unprecedented unity among the women leaders of the 19 registered political parties, who affirmed that this is not about partisan politics, but about national progress.
“Whether you are from PDP, APC, LP, NNPP, or any other party, we are united. We will support any capable woman from any party who emerges to contest these reserved seats,” one of the women leaders declared.
They added that internal party reforms are ongoing, with leaders already identifying and preparing strong female candidates for the reserved positions.
When asked about past setbacks such as the failed presidential bid of Sarah Jibril, the Forum emphasized that today’s women are more prepared, more coordinated, and better supported.
“Sarah Jibril broke the chain. Today, we are intentional. We have a structure, we have strategy, and we are not backing down. This time, we will get it right,” the Forum noted.
The Forum called on women organizations, youth groups, civil society, traditional rulers, faith leaders, and the media to rally around the Bill.They also appealed for continued support from development partners in providing technical assistance and amplifying the campaign.
“To our fathers, brothers, and husbands, this is not a fight against men. This is a call to partnership. Empowering women builds stronger communities and a better Nigeria,” Dr. Bryhm said.
“This Bill must be passed now, not tomorrow, not later, now. It is not just legislation; it is a rallying point for justice, democracy, and nation-building,” the forum emphasized.
