IPAC Backs Special Seats for Women in National, State Assemblies

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed support for the creation of special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies to enhance their political participation and representation.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, gave this backing during his opening address at the Council’s 2nd Policy Roundtable held in Abuja on Friday.

Themed “64 Years of Independence, Inclusive Democracy, and the Options of Special Seats for Women,” the event focused on fostering gender equality in Nigerian politics.

Dantelle emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, noting that democracy thrives when all citizens are actively involved in political processes.

“For sustainable democracy, citizens should participate in political processes and represent their interests, concerns, and aspirations in decision-making,” he said.

“The question is, how far have Nigerians gone in fostering inclusive democracy after 64 years of independence and 25 years of unbroken democracy?”

The Council’s chairman further highlighted IPAC’s efforts to promote women’s political involvement through the establishment of a Directorate of Women Affairs and other gender-friendly initiatives at its national secretariat in Abuja.

“This Roundtable seeks to advance women’s involvement in politics and government, particularly within the national and State House of Assemblies.

Democracy is dependent on the active participation and representation of all citizens in democratic institutions and processes,” Dantelle said.

He warned that the exclusion of women, who constitute half of the nation’s population, undermines Nigeria’s democratic progress.

“When a section of society is under-represented in policy discussions, they feel marginalized. This is the case with women, who make up 50% of the population.

We cannot consolidate and advance democracy if half the population is excluded from the political sphere,” he stated.

Dantelle also pointed to the low representation of women in previous legislative assemblies.

He noted that women accounted for just 6.4%, 6.1%, and 2.7% of the Senate in the 7th, 8th, and 9th assemblies respectively, and 6.4%, 3.05%, and 4.7% in the House of Representatives during the same periods.

“The imbalance in representation is glaring. This roundtable acknowledges the issue and aims to provide recommendations that will enrich our democracy,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating the need for inclusive governance: “Together, we will consolidate and deepen democracy by ensuring inclusive politics and governance, successful elections, political stability, and the well-being of Nigerians.”

The National Assembly is currently reviewing the Constitution and the Electoral Act to ensure full citizen participation in politics, democracy, and governance, with a focus on promoting gender equality and inclusion.