Gombe Women Demand 50% Political Representation in 2027 Elections
A coalition of women's groups in Gombe State has issued a strong call for enhanced political inclusion, demanding reserved seats and up to 50 percent representation for women in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The 12 groups, spearheaded by Hadiza Maina Sule, Chairperson of the League for Women Voters in Nigeria in Gombe State, submitted formal petitions to members of the House of Representatives from the state, urging them to back the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly of Nigeria.
Urgent Legislative Action Needed
During a recent rally, Sule emphasized that the bill has been stalled in the National Assembly for an extended period and called for immediate legislative action before the next election cycle. She explained that the demand for reserved seats is designed to ensure greater female participation in governance, highlighting that women's representation is crucial for addressing their specific needs and aspirations. "We want some elective seats reserved exclusively for women in the upcoming elections so that women can be fully included in governance," she stated.
Support from Women Journalists
Abigail Kolo, the state chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, also voiced support for the initiative. She stressed that increased female representation in parliament would help tackle issues affecting women more effectively. "Having more women in the National Assembly will strengthen advocacy on issues such as menstrual hygiene and other gender-specific concerns," Kolo remarked.
Lawmakers Receiving Petitions
The petitions were presented to several lawmakers, including:
- Usman Bello Kumo (Akko Federal Constituency)
- J.C. Ali Isa (Balanga/Billiri)
- Abdullahi El-Rasheed (Dukku/Nafada)
- Tongo Yaya Bauchi (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye)
- Paul Obed Shehu (Kaltungo/Shongom)
- Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba)
The groups argued that without deliberate policies like reserved seats, women's participation in politics will remain limited, despite their significant contributions to national development. They maintained that such measures are essential to bridge the gender gap in political representation and ensure a more inclusive governance structure.
