A coalition of Nigerian women has intensified its push for political inclusion, storming the National Assembly of Nigeria with petitions demanding urgent passage of the Special Seats Bill.
The group, drawn from all 360 federal constituencies, submitted the petitions at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, describing the move as a unified national call for action.
Speaking to the press, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Irene Awunah Ikyegh, said the petitions were gathered from across the 36 states and 774 local government areas.
She disclosed that over the past three weeks, members of the coalition had visited lawmakers’ constituency offices and residences to submit the demands some received in person, others delivered in their absence.
Ikyegh anchored the demand on constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom from discrimination and equal participation, noting that women, despite forming nearly half of Nigeria’s population, occupy less than five percent of elective offices.
She described the imbalance as a serious democratic gap, warning that excluding women from governance continues to limit inclusive decision-making and balanced national development.
The coalition is now urging lawmakers in both chambers to secure the required two-thirds majority, reject any opposing motions, and consider an emergency sitting to fast-track the bill into law.
