Benue Women Press Lawmaker on Special Seats Bill, Seek Greater Political Inclusion

Women’s groups in Benue State have intensified advocacy for increased female representation in governance, calling on lawmakers to support the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly.

The demand was made on Tuesday when members of the League of Women Voters paid an advocacy visit to the residence of the member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir.

The delegation, which included women politicians, religious figures and other stakeholders, carried leaves to symbolise a peaceful approach and underscore the seriousness of their mission.

Addressing the gathering, Chairperson of the League, Lady Ruth Kpengwa, explained that the visit was not a protest but a deliberate effort to engage constructively with elected representatives on the need for gender inclusion. According to her, the lawmaker was well-positioned to champion the Special Seats for Women Bill and advance the cause of women seeking fair representation in Nigeria’s political system.

Kpengwa expressed concern that despite women’s contributions to national development, they remain largely sidelined in elective offices and political appointments. She disclosed that the group had submitted a petition dated March 23, 2026, urging legislators to back constitutional amendments that would create additional seats for women in both the National and State Assemblies.

The petition highlighted that although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, their representation in elective positions remains below five per cent, a situation it described as a major gap in democratic inclusion.

It further appealed to members of the National Assembly to mobilise support across party lines to secure the required two-thirds majority for the bill, vote in its favour, and resist any moves that could weaken or stall its passage.

In his response, Legislative Aide to the lawmaker, Kasada Muktar, appreciated the delegation for the visit and assured them that their concerns would be conveyed appropriately. He explained that Hon. Tarkighir was unavoidably absent but had prior knowledge of the visit and remained committed to representing the interests of his constituents.

Muktar encouraged the women to remain optimistic, noting that their message would receive due attention.

Other speakers at the meeting echoed the call for deliberate policies to boost women’s participation in governance.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Veronica Azemba, underscored the importance of women’s involvement in development processes, noting that their participation often leads to more inclusive outcomes.

On his part, Coordinator of the Young Women in Politics Forum in Benue State, Member Adiguve, Esq., urged lawmakers to support the bill when it comes up for consideration, stressing that it is designed to strengthen women’s presence in legislative bodies.

In a similar vein, President of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajiya Jamila Iliyasu, criticised the continued marginalisation of women in politics, arguing that broader inclusion would contribute significantly to national progress.

She maintained that empowering women politically is essential for holistic development, adding that excluding them from decision-making structures undermines national growth.

A House of Representatives aspirant for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Keziah Iember Calixtus, also stressed the need for sustained advocacy, attributing the push to delays in passing the bill.