A leading advocate for women’s political participation, Mrs Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, has described the First Lady’s endorsement of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s long struggle for gender inclusion. According to her, the public support expressed by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, marks a “decisive and transformative moment” in the country’s democratic development.
In a statement released on Friday, Igbinedion-Ogwuche said the First Lady’s position gives strong moral and political weight to the bill, which seeks to create constitutionally guaranteed seats for women in both the National Assembly and state legislatures. She noted that for years, women’s groups have pushed for structural reforms to expand political opportunities for women, but progress has been slow.
The advocate explained that the endorsement did not happen by chance. Rather, it followed months of strategic dialogue and engagement with government stakeholders, lawmakers, political leaders, and civil society organizations.
She said that women’s groups across the country had mounted sustained pressure on elected officials, insisting that Nigeria could no longer ignore the need for stronger female representation in politics. According to her, the First Lady’s support shows that the message has been heard at the highest level of political leadership.
“This is not just a political affirmation. It is a declaration that our democracy must recognise the voice and presence of Nigerian women,” she said. “Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s support represents a decisive turning point in our national journey toward true inclusion.”
Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female political representation in Africa. Although women make up almost half of the country’s population, they currently hold less than 5 percent of elective positions at the federal level. In some state assemblies, there are no female lawmakers at all.
Over the years, many advocacy groups, including women’s organisations, civil society networks, and international partners, have campaigned for increased participation. But cultural barriers, political violence, high campaign costs, and weak internal democracy within political parties have continued to keep women out of leadership positions.
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill aims to address these structural challenges by creating additional seats that are specifically reserved for women. The bill proposes that each state must elect at least one woman to the Senate and a set number of women to the House of Representatives. States would also be required to allocate new seats to women in their Houses of Assembly.
Advocates say that this structural reform is necessary if Nigeria wants to close the gender gap in politics within a reasonable timeframe.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche stressed that the First Lady’s endorsement signals that gender inclusion is finally being recognised as a national priority rather than a side conversation. She said the moment is the result of years of tireless work by women who refused to accept exclusion from decision-making spaces.
“This moment was earned through resilience,” she said. “Through women and allies who refused silence, who pushed past cultural barriers, and who insisted that meaningful inclusion is essential, not optional.”
The advocate said the support from the First Lady sends a message to policymakers that serious reform is possible when leaders show empathy, courage, and a willingness to challenge outdated structures.
“It shows that progress is within reach when we commit to unity and recognise that women’s advancement strengthens Nigeria’s development,” she noted.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche expressed hope that the endorsement would energise the bill’s movement through the National Assembly, where it requires broad support to pass. Previous attempts to amend the constitution to improve women’s representation failed because lawmakers could not reach the required two-thirds majority.
She urged lawmakers to treat the bill not as a favour to women, but as an essential step toward building a balanced, modern democracy.
“What we are fighting for is meaningful participation. A Nigeria where women sit at the table and influence decisions that shape our future,” she said.
While celebrating the breakthrough, Igbinedion-Ogwuche emphasised that more work still lies ahead. She called on lawmakers, political parties, civil society groups, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to support the First Lady’s stance and help push the bill forward.
She said that achieving gender balance in politics is not just the responsibility of women’s organizations, but a national issue that affects governance, stability, and development.
“This is our moment to rise to the occasion. Nigeria cannot afford to leave half of its population behind,” she said. “We must be bold, responsible, and united as we debate the far-reaching implications of this bill.”
The advocate argued that guaranteeing women a voice in policymaking would improve the quality of leadership and strengthen democratic institutions. She said countries that have adopted reserved seats or quota systems—such as Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa—have seen significant progress in representation and governance outcomes.
Igbinedion-Ogwuche dedicated the First Lady’s endorsement to the countless women who have continued to campaign for political inclusion despite facing social and cultural resistance.
“To every woman who marched, advocated, and kept pushing when doors were shut — this moment belongs to you,” she said.
She praised women leaders across the country who have held town halls, community meetings, policy dialogues, and media campaigns to educate the public on why the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is essential.
According to her, the push for reserved seats is not about giving women undue advantage but about correcting decades of structural imbalance that have left women underrepresented.
The advocate concluded by urging the National Assembly to act quickly, saying that Nigerians are watching closely and expecting leadership.
“The path forward is clear. And the time to act is now,” she declared. “This endorsement should give lawmakers the courage they need to do what is right for Nigeria’s democracy.”
