FIC Report (Benue State) – The Chairperson Nigeria League of women voters has formally petitioned members of the National Assembly, urging the swift passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill to promote inclusive governance in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the Chairperson Nigeria League of women voters (NILOWV) Mrs Ruth kpengwa said Benue Women are seeking inclusion in leadership positions in the state.
In the petition dated March 23, 2026, was presented to Benue Lawmaker Hon Dickson Tarkirghir (House of Representative Member for Makurdi/Guma) at his residence in Makurdi. Receiving the petition for Lawmaker, Kasada Muktar Senior Legislative Aid assured the women that the message will be conveyed the message to his principal.
In a related development NILOWV presented the petition of her “seat in parliament” to Honorable member representing Gwer/Gwer west Hon. Asema Achado. Making the presentation Mrs Camel Utor called on the Lawmaker to support the Bill when it is brought to the house.
Signatories called on lawmakers to take immediate legislative action to address the persistent under representation of women in elective positions across all levels of government.
They noted that despite constituting nearly half of the country’s population, women occupy less than five percent of elected offices, describing the situation as a “democratic deficit.”
The petition emphasized that the proposed bill seeks to amend the Constitution to create additional reserved seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, a strategy already adopted in several African countries to boost female political participation.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s international commitments, including agreements that mandate increased inclusion of women in governance, and argued that greater female representation would improve outcomes in areas such as healthcare, education, and community development.
They further urged lawmakers to mobilize support among their colleagues to secure the required two-thirds majority for constitutional amendment, vote in favour of the bill, and resist any attempts to delay or weaken it.
NILOWV expressed confidence that the passage of the bill would strengthen democracy, enhance national unity, and ensure more equitable representation in Nigeria’s political system.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
