Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on national assembly to fast-track passage of the special seats bill to increase women participation in governance.
Gatekeepers News reports that the special seats bill which has passed first reading in the house of representatives, seeks to reserve 74 constitutionally guaranteed positions for women in both chambers of the national assembly.
Speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop for female political leaders in Abuja, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, noted that the bill would significantly improve female representation in politics.
The event titled ‘Breaking the Barriers and Shaping Positive Attitudes Towards Inclusive Politics in Nigeria’, was organised by National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in collaboration with the IPAC directorate of women affairs.
Danielle said, “Accordingly, IPAC reiterates its call for the passage of the bill on the reservation of special seats for women in parliament, currently pending in the national assembly.”
“If enacted, the legislation would legally guarantee women a more substantial presence in the federal legislature.”
The IPAC chairman added that the council has established three directorates focused on women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to amplify the voices of under-represented groups in political discourse and party decision-making.
He further called for the swift passage of the Electoral Offences Commission bill, and the
adoption of a single-day general election to reduce the cost of governance.
The council reiterated its commitment to eradicating systemic barriers limiting women’s political participation including cultural stereotypes, economic marginalisation, and unequal access to education.
He added, “Council urges the national assembly to also pass the electoral offences commission bill into law to enable the prosecution of electoral offenders and their sponsors.”
“A single-day election will reduce costs, minimise disruption, and address logistical challenges.”
