Uba Sani Advocates for Reserved Seats for Women in Constitutional Amendment

Governor Uba Sani, leading Kaduna State, expressed his discontent regarding the inadequate representation of women in the political sphere, which he believes does not reflect their actual demographic and electoral strength in Nigeria.

The Governor stated, "Women represent nearly half of our population and an even higher percentage of active voters, yet they remain largely absent from elected and appointed positions."

During the kickoff of the North West Zone campaign for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill on Thursday, he criticized the fact that women hold less than five percent of legislative seats at the national level.

He emphasized that this disparity is not based on ability or competence, but rather is a product of enduring structural, cultural, economic, and institutional challenges.

Governor Sani indicated that the North West has traditionally seen low engagement from women in elective roles, a scenario influenced by entrenched social norms, economic barriers, and inconsistent access to political networks.

He remarked, "However, these challenges are not permanent. They can change when institutions evolve, leadership becomes purposeful, and when women assert themselves with confidence."

The Governor highlighted that Kaduna State is setting a precedent in Northern Nigeria by facilitating the election of women into prominent political roles and strategic appointments.

"Kaduna State boasts a female Deputy Governor. We have an elected female member in the State House of Assembly who serves as the Majority Leader—historically, the first woman to hold such a role in the Northwest."

Moreover, he added, there is a female Head of Service and an elected Chairman of a Local Government in Jaba.

"Additionally, women lead key ministries, such as Health, Business Innovation, Youth Development, and Women Affairs, as well as several important agencies within the state," he noted.

The Governor contended that the accomplishments witnessed in Kaduna demonstrate that women can "secure electoral wins, occupy vital governmental positions, effectively lead, and earn public trust when granted the opportunity."

According to him, these achievements stem from intentional choices, inclusive governance, and the bravery of women who pursued leadership roles.

He acknowledged the efforts of various administrations, civil society organizations, and development partners in addressing the gender imbalance in public office.

The Governor noted the Beijing Declaration's recommendation of at least 30 percent affirmative action for women, alongside Nigeria’s National Gender Policy, which advocates for a minimum of 35 percent representation.

He stated that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is part of the continuing constitutional review process and aligns with international best practices in democracy.

Sani described the bill's purpose as one of remedying chronic under- representation, proposing constitutional guarantees for women in legislative bodies.

"Specifically, the Bill aims to create 182 additional positions reserved solely for women across the National and State Assemblies."

This would entail one extra seat per state, including the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, an additional seat per state and the FCT in the House of Representatives, and three additional seats per state in the State Houses of Assembly, corresponding to each senatorial district.

He underscored that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill "will not replace existing positions but will enhance representation, ensuring inclusion without exclusion."

The duration of the bill is proposed to be a temporary measure, lasting four election cycles or sixteen years, subject to future review, reflecting both ambition and accountability.

Countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe have successfully implemented similar measures with transformative outcomes.

In her remarks, APC National Women Leader Dr. Mary Alile Idele criticized the alarming decline in women's representation in Nigeria's National Assembly from 2003 to 2023.

Citing statistics, she revealed that women held approximately 7% of the seats in 2003, which diminished to around 6% in 2007, and stagnated at about 7% in 2011. The numbers fell further in 2015.

In both 2019 and 2023, women accounted for less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly, marking one of the lowest global rates.

Dr. Idele remarked that this ongoing decrease is more than just figures; it signals a pressing concern, indicating that a democracy where half the population is represented by less than 5% is operating below its potential capacity.

She advocated for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, stating that it will ensure constitutionally protected political spaces for women.

She emphasized that, once enacted, the Bill would "fortify democratic inclusion and stability while enhancing policymaking through varied perspectives."

"It will also motivate millions of young Nigerian women to view leadership as their inherent right, aligning Nigeria with global best practices in representation," she affirmed.

Dr. Idele praised President Bola Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive development, gender empowerment, and national unity, asserting that "this bill is not merely a favor to women; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future."