Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) officials have thrown their weight behind the Reserved Seats for Women Campaign, signaling growing momentum for increased female representation in government.
Ambassador Aisha Yau, North-West Coordinator of the campaign, announced the endorsements recently, saying the movement is gaining traction across the country.
“We have received overwhelming support from critical stakeholders, including ministers and other influential Nigerians,” Yau said.
The campaign’s recent rally in Kaduna drew participants from six states, demonstrating the growing support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, currently pending before the National Assembly.
The bill aims to allocate seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
Yau emphasised the importance of women’s involvement in legislative processes, saying it would help address societal challenges.
She cited meetings with APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and Minister of State for Education Professor Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, describing the discussions as fruitful.
The campaign seeks to alter seven sections of the 1999 Constitution, expanding the Senate, House of Representatives, and state assemblies to include women-only constituencies for 16 years.
Support for the bill is growing, with stakeholders recognising the need for increased women’s representation in governance. The campaign continues to engage with key stakeholders to push the bill forward.