The National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, has urged the National Assembly to reconsider the gender-related constitutional amendment bills rejected in 2022, particularly the provision seeking reserved seats for women in both state and federal legislatures.
Speaking at a women-focused policy dialogue in Abuja, Dr. Alile described the rejection of the bills as a missed opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through inclusive governance.
“The rejection of the gender bills, especially the one advocating reserved legislative seats for women, was a missed opportunity to deepen democracy and strengthen inclusive governance. I respectfully urge the 10th National Assembly to reconsider these bills in the spirit of equity, justice, and progress,” she stated.
She stressed that the call for reserved seats is not an act of charity, but a matter of constitutional fairness and strategic national development, noting that several African countries have adopted similar measures to close gender gaps in politics.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent women into strategic roles, Dr. Alile maintained that elective representation remains the ultimate test of inclusion.
“We cannot continue to have single-digit female representation in the National Assembly when women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population. It is not just undemocratic; it is a distortion of national reality,” she added.
The APC Woman Leader recalled how the 9th National Assembly’s rejection of the bills in March 2022 sparked nationwide protests and renewed debate on gender equity. She acknowledged lawmakers’ concerns about expanding government but insisted that inclusion is “an investment in national stability.”
She also called on political parties, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and the media to support renewed advocacy for gender-responsive legislation.
“Let us rise above partisanship and personal interests. This is about the soul of our democracy and the future of our daughters,” she concluded.
