As the Nigerian Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution kicks off its Zonal Public Hearings across the country, the spotlight has turned to what many describe as the “soul” of the constitutional review — the Reserved Seats Bill for Women.
The convener and lead advocate of the Reserved Seats Bill for Women Campaign, Chief Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, described the legislation as a turning point for Nigeria’s democracy and believes that the bill, if passed, would amend the constitution to guarantee a minimum number of seats for women in federal and state legislatures.
Adressing newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday, Dr. Adaora Onyechere Sydney Jack, South-East Zonal Coordinator of the Reserved Seats Bill for Women Campaign, issued a passionate call for structural inclusion.
“Nigerian women are only asking for structural inclusion. Nigeria is on the path to inclusive democracy and reserved seats for women is the bridge to get us there,” she declared.
Despite making up nearly 50% of the population, women currently occupy less than 7% of seats in the National Assembly — a situation advocates argue is no accident. They blame decades of exclusion, societal bias, structural barriers, and political violence disproportionately targeted at women.
The Reserved Seats Bill, they say, is not about special privileges but about correcting historic injustice.
“This is not about privilege. It’s about justice. The Reserved Seats Bill is our vehicle for inclusive democracy — for a system where the voices shaping policy reflect the diverse reality of our people,” Dr. Onyechere Sydney Jack emphasized.
“This is not about preferential treatment. It acknowledges that the rules of the game have always been rigged, and seeks to rebalance them in favor of a fairer, more participatory democracy. Democracy thrives not only through votes but through representation. When women are absent from the policymaking table, the nation loses.”
Advocates drew comparisons to countries like Rwanda and Senegal where gender quotas have driven transformative change.
“Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, risks being left behind if it continues to marginalize half its talent pool. We are not asking for handouts. We are soliciting for our place at the table. And when women sit at the table, nations rise,” Dr. Sydney Jack added.
While the proposal has sparked resistance from those insisting that merit, not quotas, should define representation, campaigners argue this misses the point.
“Merit has never had a level playing field in Nigeria’s patriarchal politics. The Reserved Seats Bill is not about exclusion; it is about contribution. More importantly, it is about shifting the national mindset from gatekeeping to gate-opening.”
“If passed, the bill could transform Nigeria’s governance, empowering women to contest, lead, and legislate as equals — and usher in a new era focused on education, healthcare, human rights, and community growth.
“This is Nigeria’s moment to choose progress over patriarchy, democracy over dominance. Let history not record our silence, but our courage. The time is now. And the world is watching,” the South-East campaign stated.
As hearings continue nationwide, all eyes are on lawmakers. Advocates expressed confidence in the National Assembly’s commitment to the bill, praising parliamentarians for their growing support.
“We are so proud of how far they have come supporting this bill and how they have continued to echo the conviction we feel — that for the first time in a long time, the Nigerian parliament is working the talk, leading not just by promissory notes but by activation. We know that under their watch this bill will be passed,” Dr. Onyechere Sydney Jack affirmed.
“This is Nigeria’s moment to choose progress over patriarchy, democracy over dominance. Let history not record our silence, but our courage.”
“The streets, the polling booths, and the future are watching,” she concluded.
