Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Women’s organisations in Bauchi State under the umbrella of the Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOWV)
have intensified advocacy for greater female representation in politics, submitting a formal petition to members of the National Assembly of Nigeria, calling for the urgent passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill.
The petition, dated March 23, 2026, was presented by a coalition of women groups, including the League of Women Voters in Nigeria (NILOWV) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), during an advocacy visit to six out of the 12 lawmakers representing Bauchi State in the House of Representatives.
The delegation visited lawmakers representing Bauchi, Misau/Dambam, Toro, Jama’are/Itas-Gadau, and Ganjuwa/Darazo, Dass, Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituencies. Those who were unavailable were represented by their legislative aides, while copies of the petition were submitted to each office.
The document, titled “Urgent Demand for the Passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill to Enhance Inclusive Governance in Nigeria,” was also endorsed by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria and other women groups in the state.
It urges lawmakers to support the bill, which seeks to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance at both national and state levels.
Presenting the petition, the State Chairperson of NILOWV, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, explained that although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population and contribute significantly to socio-economic development, their representation in elective offices remains below five per cent.
She described the situation as a major democratic gap that limits inclusive decision-making.
The petitioners also referenced Nigeria’s commitments under international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, stressing that the country has an obligation to adopt measures that promote women’s participation in politics.
The groups called on Bauchi lawmakers to mobilise support among their colleagues to ensure the bill secures the constitutionally required two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.
They also urged legislators to vote in favour of the proposal and resist any attempt to delay or weaken it.
According to the petitioners, increasing women’s representation in governance would improve outcomes in critical sectors such as health, education, and community development, while strengthening democratic legitimacy and national unity.
Receiving the petition, a member representing Misau/Dambam Federal Constituency expressed support for the proposed legislation and pledged to present the document before the House of Representatives for consideration.
He commended the women groups for their advocacy efforts, describing them as essential to promoting inclusive governance and strengthening democratic participation in Nigeria.
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