Coalition Urges NASS on Women’s Seats Bill Before 2027

By Oluwakemi Kindness 

The Reserved Seats for Women Bill Campaign Coalition has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the constitution amendment bills proposing 182 reserved seats for women.

The call cones with warning that the release of the 2027 General Election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has left lawmakers with very limited time to act.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Coalition says the publication of the electoral calendar has created certainty for political parties and institutions but also exposed a “rapidly narrowing legislative window” for concluding work on House Bill 1349 and Senate Bill 550.

The statement by Hammed Adejare, the Coalition communications lead notes that Nigeria currently records less than five percent female representation in the National Assembly, one of the lowest levels globally.

The Coalition said the persistent imbalance reflects entrenched structural barriers that have weakened inclusive governance and reduced public confidence in democratic institutions.

It emphasised that the reserved seats proposal is a measured, constitutional and time-bound corrective mechanism, designed to operate for 16 years to fast-track gender-balanced representation while preserving competition in the electoral process.

According to the statement, women across Nigeria’s 36 states are willing and prepared to contest, lead and serve, but longstanding systemic obstacles continue to limit their participation.

With 469 members of the 10th National Assembly yet to conclude consideration of the bills, the Coalition said the onus is now on lawmakers to demonstrate urgency and responsibility.

“Nigeria must not approach the 2027 General Elections with the same structural inequities that have long shut women out of decision-making,” the statement warned, adding that “the moment for reform is now — the electoral clock is ticking.”