Hundreds of Women Storm National Assembly, Demand Passage of Special Seats Bill

Hundreds of women and civil society groups marched on the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, demanding lawmakers pass the Special Seats Bill for Women — a constitutional amendment that would create extra legislative seats for women.

The rally, organized under the He4She movement, brought together women's rights groups and supporters carrying placards and banners. They gathered at the gates of the National Assembly complex ahead of the bill's consideration by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Yesinde Olasimbo, Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Gender, told Persecondnews the bill gives hope to young women and youths aspiring to politics. "It gives me hope knowing that Nigeria is going to open the doors for youths to be able to contest elections and win, and it gives me hope knowing that we young women aren't left behind," she said.

Olasimbo noted that the bill was first introduced in the 9th Assembly but failed. She said this is the first time the momentum has built to this level. "The older women gave us wings to fly and made sure we saw it through to the end," she added.

Princess Edna D.D. Azura, President of the National Council of the Society for Women, said she's optimistic the bill will pass and guarantee fair representation for women in Nigeria's political space.

Human rights activist Ene Obi, a member of the Civil Society Situation Room and the Women Political Participation Technical Working Group, stressed that political education is lacking in Nigeria. She called on INEC, the National Orientation Agency, and political parties to do more to educate citizens. "When people feel their votes don't count, it discourages participation and weakens democracy," Obi said.

She described the Special Seats Bill as the result of years of advocacy, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement. "If the bill passes, it will be a celebration for Nigerian women. A lot of work, coalition-building and advocacy have gone into this effort. We'll appreciate the National Assembly for recognising women and opening new opportunities ahead of 2027," she added.

Irene Mngupado Awunah-Ikyegh, National President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), said the bill would mark a major milestone for democratic inclusion in Nigeria and across Africa. "If this bill is passed, it'll mean something great has happened in Nigeria and Africa. It'll show that Nigeria's democracy is becoming more inclusive," she said.

Barr. Ebere Ifendu, National President of the Women in Politics Forum (WiPF), argued that the proposal isn't preferential treatment. She said the Constitution already recognizes the need to support underrepresented groups. "What we're asking for is inclusion, fairness and a democracy that reflects all segments of society," Ifendu said.

The bill aims to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in elective offices by creating additional seats for women in the National Assembly and state legislatures. Proponents say passing it will break down barriers to political inclusion and ensure women are at the table to shape laws.

The atmosphere at the rally was one of intense optimism. Activists urged lawmakers to seize what they call a monumental chance to champion gender equality. All eyes are now on the National Assembly as lawmakers prepare for a crucial vote this Thursday, 11 June 2026.