IPAC asks n’assembly to expedite passage of special seats bill

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has implored the national assembly to expedite passage of the special seats bill to increase women participation in governance.

The special seats bill seeks to reserve 74 constitutionally guaranteed positions for women in the lower and upper legislature.

The bill has passed first reading in the house of representatives.

Speaking on Wednesday during a two-day capacity building conference for female political leaders in Abuja, Yusuf Dantalle, IPAC national chairman, said the bill would significantly improve female representation in politics.

The event titled ‘Breaking the Barriers and Shaping Positive Attitudes Towards Inclusive Politics in Nigeria’, was organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in collaboration with the IPAC directorate of women affairs.

“Accordingly, IPAC reiterates its call for the passage of the bill on the reservation of special seats for women in parliament, currently pending in the national assembly,” Dantelle said.

“If enacted, the legislation would legally guarantee women a more substantial presence in the federal legislature.”

Dantalle added that the council has established three directorates focused on women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to amplify the voices of under-represented groups in political discourse and party decision-making.

He also called for the swift passage of the electoral offences commission bill, and the adoption of a single-day general election to reduce the cost of governance.

The council reiterated its commitment to eradicating systemic barriers limiting women’s political participation — including cultural stereotypes, economic marginalisation, and unequal access to education.

“Council urges the national assembly to also pass the electoral offences commission bill into law to enable the prosecution of electoral offenders and their sponsors,” he added.

“A single-day election will reduce costs, minimise disruption, and address logistical challenges.”