The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub have called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the constitutional reform process.
The Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, made the call in her message to mark the 2025 International Democracy Day on Tuesday in Abuja.
She said that stepping up action on the reform would lead to the passage of the Special Seats Bill and when passed the bill would enhance and institutionalise women’s political inclusion.
Hamman-Obels urged the National Assembly to incorporate comprehensive public consultations to ensure reforms reflecting the aspirations of Nigerians across gender, regional, religious and ethnic divides.
She said that International Day of Democracy underscored the imperative of achieving democratic consolidation through sustaining concrete actions, action by action to empower marginalised groups and strengthen institutions.
“This year’s theme for the International Day of Democracy; “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” is particularly relevant to Nigeria’s Constitutional Review Agenda.
“It underscores the pressing need for tangible, sustained measures to increase women’s representation and participation in political processes.
“Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review includes the Special Seats Bill for Women, designed to address the underrepresentation of women in legislative bodies.
“This is by creating additional elective seats reserved exclusively for women candidates at the federal and state levels.”
Hamman-Obels explained that in spite of women comprising nearly half of Nigeria’s population and accounting for 47.5per cent of registered voters in the 2023 general election, their political representation remained critically low.
She said that it was less than seven per cent in elective and appointive positions nationally, with women holding only about five per cent of seats in the National Assembly and even fewer at state legislatures.
“Specifically, women in the Senate 3.7% (4/109), House Representatives 4.2% (15/360) and State Assemblies 5.4% (54/993).
“The Special Seats for Women Bill aimed to dismantle systemic barriers such as political party biases and cultural constraints that have long marginalised women from elective office.”
Hamman-Obels said that IRIAD -The Electoral Hub believed that enhancing female political participation is fundamental to fostering more inclusive and effective policymaking, particularly in addressing critical areas.
She said that strengthening women’s representation would ensure that governance incorporates diverse perspectives and experiences, thereby advancing national development objectives and deepening democratic consolidation.
She added that the passage and implementation of the bill would align Nigeria with global and regional gender equity commitments, serving as a transformative step in advancing a more representative democracy.
The director, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to enhance operational capacity and institutional autonomy to ensure elections are credible, inclusive and gender sensitive.
This, she said would intensify voter education efforts focused on marginalised groups to enhance participation of all in the electoral process.
She also called on security agencies to operate with impartiality and professionalism, upholding the constitutional right of citizens to freely participate in elections and politics without fear or coercion.
Hamman-Obels urged Civil Society Organiaations(CSOs) and media to expand efforts on civic education that promote democratic values and gender inclusion.
She also called on citizens to engage fully in civic duties such as registering to vote, participating in elections and holding electoral institutions and elected officials accountable through peaceful advocacy and public discourse.
She urged them to reject all forms of electoral bribery and violence and promote a culture of respect for democratic principles within communities.
