Women Radio WFM91.7 Calls for Passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the urgency surrounding the Special Seats for Women Bill has become impossible to ignore. At Women Radio WFM 91.7, we strongly call on lawmakers to act swiftly and prioritise the passage of this critical legislation, which seeks to reserve legislative seats for women in Nigeria’s federal and state lawmaking bodies.

With the electoral calendar already released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the window for meaningful reform is rapidly closing. Presidential and National Assembly elections have been scheduled for February 20, 2027, followed by governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls on March 6, 2027. Key timelines, including the publication of candidate lists by November 15, 2026, and the commencement of campaigns on November 18, 2026, leave little room for delay. For women who aspire to participate in the democratic process, time is no longer a luxury.

The Special Seats for Women Bill, comprising House Bill 1349 and Senate Bill 550, proposes a temporary but transformative solution. It provides for 182 additional reserved seats to be contested exclusively by women for a 16-year period. This is not merely a political gesture; it is a structural response to decades of gender imbalance in governance. Nigeria continues to rank among countries with the lowest female representation in parliament, despite women constituting nearly half of the population.

A delay in passing this bill will have real and lasting consequences. Thousands of capable and aspiring women leaders across Nigeria risk being sidelined, losing critical preparation time and access to political platforms. Without legal backing in time for the 2027 elections, barriers that have historically excluded women from politics will persist. This undermines democratic inclusion and weakens national development.

Lawmakers must therefore elevate this bill above routine legislative processes. Among the 44 constitutional amendment proposals currently under consideration by the National Assembly of Nigeria, this one carries profound national and generational significance. Recent advocacy actions and peaceful demonstrations at the Assembly reflect growing public awareness and demand for gender-balanced leadership.

Passing the Special Seats for Women Bill is not only a step toward equity; it is an investment in our democratic future. It aligns with global democratic standards and reinforces the nation’s commitment to inclusive governance. More importantly, it acknowledges the immense contributions women continue to make in nation-building across sectors.

At Women Radio WFM 91.7, we remain committed to amplifying women’s voices, promoting political participation, and holding institutions accountable. The time to act is now. Nigeria cannot afford to miss this historic opportunity to strengthen democracy and empower the next generation of female leaders.