DAG Calls for More Allocation of Political Seats for Women in Nigeria
A civil society organization, Democratic Action Group (DAG) has called on National Assembly to consider adding more seats at the national and state assemblies exclusively for women.
The group made this submission when they presented their Memoranda before the senate public hearing committee for the review of the Nigerian constitution for the Northwest geopolitical zone held in Kano.
In an interview with DAILYFEEDS, the Executive Director of the group Dr. Muhammed Mustapha Yahaya said, despite the big role women play in Nigerian elections which represents 49% of any votes cast they’re marginalized when it comes to appointments and Party candidacy.” we are here today to present an agenda which talks about additional senatorial seats for each states of the federation and Abuja making it 37 and 2 more seats at the house of Representatives from all 36 states solely for women”.
Speaking more about their proposal, Habiba Ahmad a senior Programs officer emphasized their plea to allocate 1 senate seat from every state and federal capital territory making it 37 and 3 more seats at every state assembly solely for women.
She said, presenting this position imperative considering the hardship women face when vying for any political position or post in the country. ” is for structural representation looking at the hardship women face when contesting an election, we want an equitable process where women are not marginalized.”
She also added that, ” we also want a structural adjustment for INEC appointments where they should be hundred percent independent from any government”.
Dailyfeeds reports that, Representatives from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna states presented their memoranda to the committee seeking additional states, local government autonomy, electoral reforms, traditional leaders inclusion in governance and many more.
