Gombe Women Push For Reserved Seats Bill Passage Before 2027

By Najib Sani, Gombe

Twelve women groups in Gombe State, have rallied to demand reserved seats for women in the 2027 elections, citing the need for inclusivity in governance.

The groups, led by Hadiza Maina Sule, Gombe State chairperson of the League for Women Voters in Nigeria, delivered petitions to six House of Representatives members in the state, urging them to push for the passage of the “Reserved Seats For Women Bill pending in the national assembly before the next elections.

Speaking at the rally, Hadiza Maina Sule stressed that the bill has been lingering at the National Assembly for too long, saying it was time for action.

She said they were advocating for even 50% representation in executive and legislative positions, emphasising that women’s participation is crucial for addressing their issues, yearnings and aspirations.

“We want some elective seats reserved for women solely to contest in the upcoming elections so that women will be included in governance,” she said.

Also speaking, the state chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Abigail Kolo, expressed support for the movement, stating that having women in the national assembly would help address women’s issues.

“Having women in the national assembly will help make a case for solving problems faced by women like menstrual hygiene and other women-specific issues,” she said.

The lawmakers who received the petitions include Usman Bello Kumo, representing Akko Federal Constituency; J.C. Ali Isa, Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency; Abdullahi El-Rasheed, Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency; Tongo Yaya Bauchi, Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency; Paul Obed Shehu, Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency; and Inuwa Garba, Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency.