Cynthia Ezegwu
The wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Martina Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian women to support the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as a landmark step toward gender inclusion and empowerment.
Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday, Yilwatda said the proposed legislation—which seeks to create additional elective seats exclusively for women in both chambers of the National Assembly and state legislatures—will enhance female participation in governance and ensure women’s voices are better represented.
The bill proposes 37 new Senate seats, one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and another 37 in the House of Representatives.
“It is incumbent on women across the country to support President Bola Tinubu, who would not hesitate to assent to the Reserved Seats for Women Bill,” Yilwatda said. “This bill proposes the creation of additional seats exclusively for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.”
She urged women to rally behind President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, assuring that his administration remains committed to gender equality and women’s advancement. “A vote for the APC is a vote for progress and sustainable growth. To my fellow women, this is your government,” she added.
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Yilwatda, who serves as the Patron of the Women’s Leadership Network, also expressed gratitude to women across the country for their support and pledged to continue working alongside her husband to promote women’s empowerment and political participation.
The National Coordinator of the Women’s Leadership Network, Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, commended the growing support for the bill, noting that it has the backing of the Deputy Speaker, the Speaker, the Senate President, and President Tinubu.
“This group was among those that championed the push for reserved seats for women, and we are glad the bill has gained massive support,” she said, describing it as a major milestone for inclusive governance.
Buhari-Ado also praised President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, for their commitment to gender equity and their efforts to advance the cause of Nigerian women.