Women, youth leaders of political parties seek quick passage of reserved seats bill

National women and youth leaders of political parties in Nigeria have called on the national assembly to give urgent attention to the passage of the reserved seats for women bill.

In a statement issued after a joint meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Women Leaders Forum of Political Parties in Nigeria (NWLFPPN) and the Forum of National Youth Leaders described the bill as “a national imperative” that will correct long-standing gender imbalance in governance.

They said political parties must lead the campaign for equitable representation as the “gateway to leadership and governance”.

“We, the National Women Leaders of all political parties, stand united in solidarity with the Youth Leaders for justice, inclusion, and progress,” the statement reads.

“The time has come for Nigeria to take a bold step forward by institutionalising women’s representation in elective offices through this historic bill.

“The bill is not just a women’s issue — it is a national imperative.

“It seeks to correct long-standing gender imbalances and ensure that women, who form the backbone of our democracy, are fully represented in governance.”

The groups pledged to intensify sensitisation within political parties to clarify the purpose of the bill, strengthen collaboration between male and female politicians, and sustain engagement with party structures and grassroots members.

The forum urged members of the national assembly to “make history” by enacting the bill without delay.

“The time for promises is over—the time for action is now. This is an opportunity for our lawmakers to transform Nigeria’s political landscape for generations to come,” they said.

They also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to give assent to the bill once passed, describing such a move as a demonstration of “leadership and commitment to the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusion”.