Prof. Martina Yilwatda, wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and Patron of the Womenโs Leadership Network, has voiced strong support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, urging its swift passage in the National Assembly to boost female representation in Nigerian politics.
Speaking to hundreds of women from her support group in Jos, Yilwatda linked the bill’s approval to the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, emphasizing his commitment to gender inclusivity.
The bill proposes creating additional seats exclusively for women: 37 in the Senateโone for each state and the Federal Capital Territory and 37 in the House of Representatives.
Yilwatda highlighted the growing momentum behind the legislation, noting endorsements from key figures including the Deputy Speaker of the House, the Speaker, the Senate President, the APC Chairman, and President Tinubu himself. “This group was one of the many groups that joined other women to emphasize the need for reserved seats for women. The good news is that this has gotten very massive support,” she said.
Her advocacy is coming as Nigeria battles with low female participation in governance, where women hold less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly.
Yilwatda called on women nationwide to back Tinubu, portraying a vote for the APC as essential for progress and the bill’s eventual assent.
Support group members, including Deborah J.H. Oriaku and Princess Nikky Onyeri from the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria, praised Tinubu and the APC Chairman as “gender-friendly leaders” poised to meet women’s expectations.
The Reserved Seats Bill, aims to address historical imbalances and promote inclusive governance, drawing inspiration from countries like Rwanda, where women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats. This development aligns with recent public hearings and campaigns pushing for the bill’s adoption before the upcoming legislative vote.
Yilwatda’s stance adds to voices from APC women leaders and advocates, signaling a potential shift toward greater equity in Nigeria’s democracy as the nation eyes the 2027 elections.
