NILOWV URGES NASS TO PASS SPECIAL SEATS BILL FOR WOMEN
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV) has called on the National Assembly to pass the Special Seats Bill for Women, citing the low representation of women among candidates for the 2027 National Assembly elections.
NILOWV made the call in a statement by its National Coordinator, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, while reacting to the final list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the list, 4,408 candidates are contesting for seats in the Senate and House of Representatives, comprising 3,965 men and 443 women. Women therefore account for about 10.1 per cent of the total candidates.
The group said the figures highlighted the continued challenges facing women seeking elective office, including high nomination fees, political gatekeeping, intimidation, sexual harassment and online abuse.
NILOWV urged political parties to create more opportunities for women to participate in elections and called on lawmakers to advance the Special Seats Bill as part of efforts to improve women’s representation in the National Assembly.
The group also urged women to remain active in political participation and called for stronger measures to promote inclusive representation ahead of the 2027 elections.