In Nigeria, political representation of underrepresented groups is a major challenge that has long hampered diversity and inclusiveness in the legislative sphere. In a commendable attempt to address this shortcoming, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Amendment) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 was introduced for its first reading on Wednesday, October 30. Led by Akintunde Rotimi (Ekiti-APC), the bill seeks to expand the total number of seats in the House of Representatives from 360 to 366.
The main objective of the bill is to increase the representation of women and persons with disabilities, two groups that are often marginalized and underrepresented in political spheres. By proposing the allocation of six special seats distributed equally across the country’s six geopolitical zones, including one seat for women and one for PWD (Persons with Disabilities) in each zone, the bill seeks to ensure a fair and balanced voice for these groups at the national level.
A collegiate electoral mechanism would be put in place for these special positions, involving members of national associations representing each group, as well as input from local and regional communities. This multi-level approach aims to ensure the legitimacy and representativeness of elected officials while ensuring parity and inclusiveness in the selection of candidates.
By granting elected officials the same rights and benefits as other representatives, the bill aims to create a more equitable and diverse political climate, where the voices of minority and underrepresented groups can be heard and taken into account in a meaningful way. Akintunde Rotimi underscores the importance of overcoming the barriers faced by women and persons with disabilities in the political arena, and says this is essential to building a more just and inclusive society.
In conclusion, the proposal for these six special seats for special interest groups represents an important step towards more diverse and inclusive political representation in Nigeria. By recognizing the need to give voice to those who are often marginalized, this bill offers a unique opportunity to strengthen democracy and promote equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of gender or disability. Hopefully, this initiative will pave the way for a more equal and representative society for all its members.