Special Seats For Women Not Charity But Democratic Necessity, Says Remi Tinubu

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has declared that the push to allocate special legislative seats for women should not be seen as an act of charity but as a strategic step toward strengthening democracy and inclusive governance.

Speaking on Wednesday through the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, at an interactive session on the ‘Special Seat Bill for Women’ held during the 2025 Open National Assembly Week, the First Lady applauded the 10th House of Representatives for advancing the conversation around gender inclusion in Nigeria’s political structure.

“This event comes at a very important time in our nation’s history, as the National Assembly is currently conducting public hearings across the country on key constitutional and legislative reforms,” she said.

She emphasised that one of the most pressing issues under review is the underrepresentation of women in politics, which the proposed bill seeks to address by reserving specific seats for women in both state and federal legislatures.

“As we reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, we must be honest about where we are and be bold about where we need to go,” Remi stated. “The truth is that women remain significantly underrepresented at all levels of governance, despite making up nearly half of the population. This is not just a question of fairness; it is a matter of strengthening our democracy and deepening our national development.”

The First Lady stressed that the move was not about political tokenism, but about acknowledging the unique contributions that women bring to leadership and decision-making.

“I strongly believe that giving women a seat at the table is not about charity. It is about recognising competence, diversity of experience, and the unique perspectives women bring to leadership,” she said.

Calling for urgent and collective legislative action, she urged lawmakers to show the political will needed to pass the bill, which she described as both “timely” and “necessary.”

“It presents an opportunity for us to move beyond conversations and towards real, concrete action,” Senator Tinubu added.

She also acknowledged the pivotal role played by women’s advocacy groups, civil society organisations, and male allies in championing the cause of female political representation.

“Let us make history by enshrining representation that reflects the strength and diversity of Nigeria,” she concluded.

LEADERSHIP reports that the special seat bill for women is part of broader constitutional amendments being debated by the National Assembly, with public hearings ongoing across Nigeria.