The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced a bill to amend the Constitution, proposing six special seats for women and persons with disabilities. The bill aims to increase representation, ensure equitable distribution across the six geopolitical zones, and foster inclusivity in Nigeria's political landscape.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives took a significant step towards enhancing political representation by introducing a bill to amend Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Sponsored by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi of the Ekiti APC, the proposed legislation, known as the "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811)," aims to allocate six special seats for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the National Assembly.
The bill seeks to increase the total number of representatives from 360 to 366, with the additional six seats distributed evenly across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. This initiative ensures that each zone will have one representative for both women and PWDs, addressing the historical underrepresentation of these groups in the legislature.
To select candidates for these special seats, the bill proposes an electoral college composed of members from the National Associations of each group. This multi-tiered election process would incorporate grassroots participation, allowing for broader representation within each region.
Rotimi emphasized that the bill’s primary goal is to amplify the voices of women and individuals with disabilities, who often face obstacles in political engagement.
