IPAC: Extra seats for women in n’assembly will encourage political participation

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has backed a bill seeking to create 74 seats for women in the national assembly.

IPAC’s position is contained in a communique issued on Friday after a policy roundtable with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in Abuja.

The policy forum was titled: ‘64 Years of Independence, Inclusive Democracy, and Options of Special Seats for Women’.

The proposed legislation intends to alter sections 48, 49, 71, and 117 of the constitution to create one “special seat reserved exclusively for women in the senate and house of representatives for each state of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT)”.

IPAC said inclusive democracy is essential for Nigeria’s progress and women participation is vital — as they represent more than half of the nation’s population.

“Research shows that countries with safe and enabling environments for women’s participation produce more inclusive policy outcomes, are more peaceful, have higher economic growth, and more stable democracies,” the communique reads.

“To achieve inclusive democracy, we must address the underrepresentation of women in governance.

“The options of special seats for women are crucial in promoting gender equality and empowering women to take leadership roles.

“We commit to fostering dialogue among stakeholders, building capacity, and advocating for electoral reforms to ensure inclusive representation.

“We endorse the Constitution Alteration Bill for Special Seats for Women (HB 1349) and urge its swift passage into law.

“We commit to increasing women’s representation in governance processes, addressing the current underrepresentation in legislative bodies.

“We pledge to work together, fostering dialogue among political parties, CSOs, and stakeholders to achieve inclusive democracy.”

IPAC said measures must be taken to ensure the visibility and representation of marginalised groups like women, minorities, and people with disabilities.

“There should be inclusive party structures to ensure that party leadership and decision-making bodies have equal representation of women and men and this can be achieved by setting targets or quotas for women’s participation in party positions,” the council said.

The communique was signed by Yusuf Dantalle, IPAC chairman; and Maxwell Mgbudem, the council’s secretary.