Tinubu Backs Special Seats for Women, Vows Action

President Bola Tinubu has pledged decisive action on gender-sensitive policies, throwing his weight behind the clamour for special seats for women in the National Assembly at the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention held at Eagles Square, Abuja.

Addressing party faithful, the President underscored the critical role of women in Nigeria’s growth, stability, and overall development, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to improving their representation in governance.

“To the women of Nigeria and our party, I say your role in our glory and our growth and stability is essential,” Tinubu declared.

He disclosed that moments before mounting the podium, he had an exchange with his wife, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who questioned the absence of women in prominent roles during the proceedings, particularly in moving motions at the convention.

“Just a few minutes ago, my wife asked me one strange question: Whether there are no women to move motions. Why is it that there are only men moving motions? What about the special place for women? I assured her we will move decisively on that,” the President said.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid renewed advocacy for a constitutional amendment bill seeking to create 30 per cent special seats for women in legislative houses across the country. The proposal, long championed by women’s groups and gender advocates, is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s low female political representation.

Currently, women occupy fewer than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly, a figure widely regarded as one of the lowest globally.

The President reiterated the ruling party’s commitment to inclusiveness, stating, “It’s a promise that we are very gender sensitive.”

The latest pledge builds on earlier efforts by the First Lady to advance the cause of women’s political participation.

In February 2025, she hosted female lawmakers at the Presidential Villa, where she urged them to intensify efforts towards securing the passage of the special seats bill.

During the meeting, she appealed to the women caucus to mobilise cross-party support for the legislation, stressing that gender equity remains vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

The bill had earlier passed second reading in the House of Representatives in 2022 but stalled thereafter. However, it has recently regained momentum, buoyed by increased advocacy and international pressure, including from platforms such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.