National Assembly Open Week 2026: Stakeholders Push for Special Seats Bill to Boost Women, Disability Representation

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Jul 18, 2026

National Assembly Open Week 2026: Stakeholders Push for Special Seats Bill to Boost Women, Disability Representation

The second day of the National Assembly Open Week 2026 featured a National Dialogue on the proposed Electoral College Model for the Special Seats Bill for Women and Persons with Disabilities, bringing together lawmakers, government institutions, development partners and civil society organisations to discuss ways of strengthening inclusive representation through constitutional reform.

The dialogue focused on a proposed framework aimed at increasing the participation of women and persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s political space, addressing longstanding concerns over their limited representation in elected offices.

The event also featured the screening of the documentary “Double Minority” by Kadaria Ahmed, a creative performance, and the presentation of the Gender Report (2023–2026), highlighting the importance of gender inclusion, equal participation and democratic accountability.

Chairing the dialogue, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, called on stakeholders to build a broad national consensus around the Electoral College Model, describing the proposed reform as an initiative that deserves serious consideration.

The Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, stressed the need to maintain momentum behind the Special Seats Bill, describing it as a practical step towards addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the House Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, CON, said increasing support for the Special Seats Bill reflects a growing national commitment towards expanding women’s participation in governance.

He, however, emphasised the importance of securing the support of State Houses of Assembly to ensure the successful passage of the proposed constitutional amendment.

Goodwill messages from Hajiya Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, wife of the Speaker and Chairperson of the House of Representatives Spouses Association (HORSA), the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development reinforced institutional backing for reforms promoting greater inclusion of women and persons with disabilities.

Development partners and advocacy organisations, including the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, UK in Nigeria, the Secretariat of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL), and the Gender Mobile Initiative, described the Bill as a significant constitutional reform that could strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and serve as a model for inclusive governance across Africa.

Legislative support for the initiative was also highlighted through contributions from Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, and Rep. Omosede Igbinedion, the youngest female member of the 10th House of Representatives.

Their interventions emphasised the need for stronger institutional support, speedy consideration of the Bill, and expanded opportunities for women to take active roles in political leadership.

The dialogue further received contributions from H.E. Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, and H.E. Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, who described the proposed legislation as a landmark constitutional reform capable of strengthening representative governance and improving women’s participation in decision-making.

A technical presentation on the Electoral College Model provided further insight into the constitutional and practical implications of the proposal, followed by a high-level panel discussion involving key stakeholders.

The National Assembly Open Week dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to an inclusive constitutional review process aimed at expanding political opportunities for women and persons with disabilities and promoting a more representative Nigerian democracy.