The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally endorsed the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill”, pledging full support to ensure its passage for greater female representation in governance when the National Assembly reconvenes.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to the PDP National Secretariat, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, declared unequivocal support and a firm commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage.
“We are endorsing that bill. On behalf of our chairman, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagun, and the National Working Committee of our great party, we in the PDP are in support of this bill, and we hereby endorse it.”
Represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, he further pledged to rally PDP legislators to vote in favour of the bill;
“When our members resume from recess, we will speak to them, we will engage them, and we will ensure they vote in support of this bill. This is a cause our party fully stands behind.”
The bill, co-sponsored by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, proposes additional legislative seats exclusively for women, one per state in the Senate and House of Representatives and three per state in the State Houses of Assembly.
It aims to boost women’s participation in governance without displacing existing male legislators, introducing an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-led framework for implementation.
Leading the advocacy visit to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), Ogbara said, “It’s just common sense; empower the women and the nation is empowered. Simple! So, what we are asking for basically, this bill seeks that we should have an extra seat in the Senate in every state.
“We are taking this campaign across all political parties because gender equity is not a party issue; it is a national imperative. This bill does not take anything away from men; it creates new opportunities for inclusive governance.”
Also speaking, former First Lady of Benue State and current Member of the House of Representatives (Gboko/Tarka), Hon. Regina Akume, emphasised the value and capacity women bring to governance, highlighting her legislative track record:
“A lot of work I did. They said she deserved it. Today, nobody who has ever been to the National Assembly has worked on what I have done in two years.
“Women don’t just stand out; we stand tall. When women are given leadership positions, we deliver with excellence, commitment, and integrity. This bill is a chance to let more women prove that in service to our nation.”
The PDP’s endorsement follows similar commitments from other parties, signalling growing momentum for the bill’s passage.
Supporters of the bill say it represents a historic step toward constitutional gender equity in Nigeria’s governance, ending decades of political exclusion and helping protect women from bullying, harassment, and violence in politics.
If enacted, the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill” would guarantee increased female representation in Nigeria’s legislative houses for the first time in the nation’s history.
Leading the advocacy visit to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) was Hon. Ogbara, alongside Hon. Regina Akume, former First Lady of Benue State and current Member of the House of Representatives; National Women Leaders from political parties; civil society organisations; and NGOs.
The advocacy campaign, supported by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, is being taken across all political parties to secure broad-based backing for the bill.