Gombe Women Push for Gender Parity, Demand 50% Seats in 2027 Elections

A coalition of women’s groups in Gombe State has intensified calls for political inclusion, demanding reserved seats and up to 50 per cent representation for women in the 2027 general elections.

The 12-group coalition, led by Hadiza Maina Sule, Chairperson of the League for Women Voters in Gombe State, submitted petitions to members of the House of Representatives from the state, urging lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria.

Speaking at the rally, Sule lamented the delay of the bill in the National Assembly and stressed the urgency for legislative action ahead of the next election cycle. She emphasized that reserved seats are essential for ensuring meaningful female participation in governance and addressing issues affecting women.

“We want elective seats reserved exclusively for women in the upcoming elections so that women can be fully included in governance,” Sule stated.

Abigail Kolo, state chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, supported the demand, noting that higher female representation in parliament would strengthen advocacy on gender-specific concerns, including menstrual hygiene.

The petitions were received by lawmakers including Usman Bello Kumo (Akko Federal Constituency), J.C. Ali Isa (Balanga/Billiri), Abdullahi El-Rasheed (Dukku/Nafada), Tongo Yaya Bauchi (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye), Paul Obed Shehu (Kaltungo/Shongom), and Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba).

The coalition warned that without deliberate policies like reserved seats, women’s participation in politics would remain limited, despite their substantial contributions to national development.