Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has thrown her weight behind the groundbreaking Reserved Seats for Women's Bill, marking a significant moment in the country's push for gender equality in politics.
Historic Endorsement for Gender Equality
Chief (Mrs) Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, the Lead Advocate of the Reserved Seats for Women's Bill, has celebrated the First Lady's public support, describing it as a powerful step toward building a more inclusive democracy. In her statement issued on Thursday, November 28, 2025, Chief Igbinedion-Ogwuche emphasized that this endorsement represents more than just political symbolism.
"After months of patient advocacy and quiet conversations, we have arrived at a powerful moment," she stated. "The First Lady's endorsement is a historic declaration that affirms the future of our democracy must include the full voice, power, and presence of Nigerian women."
The Struggle for Political Representation
Chief Igbinedion-Ogwuche stressed that this progress reflects years of persistent effort by women and allies across Nigeria. She made it clear that this achievement wasn't simply handed to women but was earned through determined advocacy.
"This moment was not handed to us. It was earned through the tireless efforts of women and allies across this country," she emphasized. The advocacy lead specifically acknowledged women who have long fought for political representation, dedicating this endorsement to every woman who marched, spoke up, and continued pushing despite facing closed doors.
Expressing gratitude to the First Lady, she noted that "Her support signals that real progress is possible when leadership listens, when compassion meets courage, and when we rise together in service of something greater than ourselves."
What the Bill Proposes
The Reserved Seats for Women's Bill (HB1349) represents a constitutional amendment designed to tackle the severe gender imbalance in Nigeria's political landscape. The legislation outlines specific measures to increase women's participation:
- One additional Senate seat per state and the Federal Capital Territory reserved exclusively for women
- One additional House of Representatives seat per state and FCT reserved for women
- Three additional women-only seats per State House of Assembly
The reserved seats would apply for four election cycles as a temporary special measure, while ensuring no current office holders are displaced from their positions.
This intervention comes at a critical time when women hold only 3.8 per cent of seats in Nigeria's National Assembly, placing the country at 178th position out of 182 nations globally in women's parliamentary representation.
The Bill, which has now reached the Third Reading Stage in the National Assembly, aims to create a structured pathway for women to participate meaningfully in governance, contribute to national policymaking, and help shape public life in Africa's most populous nation.
