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Summary: The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) hailed and celebrated the Nigerian women who marched in solidarity to the National Assembly to demand the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill ahead of the 2027 election.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) hailed and celebrated the Nigerian women who marched in solidarity to the National Assembly to demand the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill ahead of the 2027 election. This was issued in a press statement signed by the organisation’s National Chairperson, Aishatu Ibrahim and the National Secretary, Wasilah Ladan.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, a coalition of women’s groups under the aegis of the Women Political Participation (WPP) demanded the immediate passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349) to ensure its implementation before the 2027 general elections. The Special Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349 / SB 440) is a landmark constitutional amendment proposal designed to address Nigeria’s historically low female representation in government. The current female representation is less than 5%.
Following the solidarity march, NAWOJ issued a press statement commending the women’s resilience, voices, and the peaceful, organised march. The organisation explained that despite Nigerian women’s decades of countless contributions to the nation, their presence in political offices remains alarmingly low. It emphasised that the “march is the loud, united, and unmistakable voice of Nigerian women demanding equity, justice, and fair representation in governance.”
The statement also partly reads, “NAWOJ stands shoulder to shoulder with every woman, every ally, and every advocate who has taken a stand for this cause,” it continues. “We commend the peaceful, organised, and resolute manner in which the march was conducted. Your voices have echoed beyond the gates of the National Assembly—they have resonated across the nation.”
The Organisation also called on all lawmakers to leave behind their partisan interests and ensure the passage of the Special Seats Bill, to send a strong message that Nigeria is committed to inclusive governance and the empowerment of women.
“NAWOJ calls on all women’s groups, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to continue mobilising, advocating, and engaging constructively until the Special Seats Bill becomes law,” the statement concluded.
