Scores of women on Monday staged a peaceful rally at the main entrance of the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the Women Reserved Seats Bill ahead of the 2027 general election. If passed, the bill will alter the 1999 Constitution to create reserved seats for women in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly. We have been there on the campaign for special seats bill,” she said. Opponents, however, have questioned whether reserved seats could conflict with principles of equal competition. For the women gathered at the National Assembly gate on Monday, the demand was straightforward: passage of the bill in time for implementation in 2027.

Source: Punch February 16, 2026 16:14 UTC