Advocate hails First Lady’s endorsement of reserved seats for women’s bill

Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, Lead Advocate of the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill, has applauded the public endorsement of the proposed legislation by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing it as a significant milestone for gender inclusion in governance. In a statement, Igbinedion-Ogwuche said the First Lady’s support marks “a powerful and historic step toward […]

Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, Lead Advocate of the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill, has applauded the public endorsement of the proposed legislation by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing it as a significant milestone for gender inclusion in governance.

In a statement, Igbinedion-Ogwuche said the First Lady’s support marks “a powerful and historic step toward building a more inclusive and representative democracy.”

“After months of patient advocacy and quiet conversations, we have arrived at a powerful moment,” she said. “The First Lady’s endorsement is more than a political gesture. It is a historic declaration that affirms that the future of our democracy must include the full voice, power, and presence of Nigerian women.”

She noted that the development reflects the cumulative efforts of women and allies across the country who have pushed for fair representation. “This moment was not handed to us. It was earned through the tireless efforts of women and allies across this country, through the quiet strength of those who refuse to give up, and through the bold truth that inclusion is not optional, it is essential.”

Igbinedion-Ogwuche expressed gratitude to the First Lady, saying her support “signals something important — that real progress is possible when leadership listens, when compassion meets courage, and when we rise together in service of something greater than ourselves.”

She dedicated the milestone to women who have championed the cause over the years. “To every woman who marched, who spoke up, who kept pushing even when the door seemed closed, this moment belongs to you,” she stated.

About the Bill

The Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill (HB1349) is a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to address Nigeria’s persistent gender imbalance in elective politics. Nigeria currently ranks 178th out of 182 countries in women’s parliamentary representation, with women occupying only 3.8 percent of National Assembly seats.

The Bill proposes one additional Senate seat per state and the FCT exclusively for women, as well as one additional women-only House of Representatives seat per state and the FCT. It also provides for three additional reserved seats for women in each State House of Assembly.

The reserved seats are to be implemented for four election cycles as a temporary measure to accelerate gender representation. The provisions do not affect existing seats, ensuring no incumbent lawmaker is displaced.

Currently at the Third Reading stage in the National Assembly, the Bill aims to create a structural pathway for meaningful participation of women in governance and policymaking.

The statement was signed by the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill National Secretariat.