INEC Advocates Constitutional, Electoral Act Amendments for Enhanced Representation of Women and Marginalized Groups

INEC Calls for Legal Reforms

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has officially called for significant amendments to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. This move is aimed at ensuring greater representation for women and other marginalized groups within the nation's legislative assemblies. The call was made by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu during an advocacy visit by the Women's Collective Forum at the commission's headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Professor Yakubu highlighted that the most effective approach to achieving this increased representation is through affirmative action, supported by clear legal provisions, a strategy successfully implemented in various other jurisdictions. The timing of this advocacy coincided with the United Nations International Day of Democracy, observed on September 15, 2025, which carried the theme 'Achieving Gender Equality: From Voice to Action'.

Addressing Underrepresentation

Nigeria currently faces a significant challenge with the low representation of women in its political landscape. In 2023, women constituted less than 5% of federal lawmakers, with only 2.8% in the Senate and 3.9% in the House of Representatives. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for legislative intervention to foster a more inclusive political environment.

INEC's chairman noted that the ongoing review of both the Constitution and the Electoral Act presents a crucial opportunity to engage lawmakers for appropriate legislative action. Earlier in the year, INEC had already expressed support for such amendments during a retreat with the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters.

Proposed Amendments and Legislative Process

Several legislative proposals are currently under consideration to address this issue:

• The 'Special Seats Bill' aims to create additional seats in both the National Assembly and State Assemblies specifically for women.
• House Bill 1383 (HB 1383) proposes altering Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution to allocate specific seats for women: one additional Senate seat per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), totaling 37 seats; one additional House of Representatives seat per state, also totaling 37 seats; and three additional seats per state in each State House of Assembly. This initiative is intended for review after approximately 16 years, following four general election cycles.
• The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2479) also includes provisions for the allocation of special seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Amending the Nigerian Constitution is a rigorous process, requiring a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, followed by approval through resolutions from at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly (a minimum of 24 out of 36 states).

INEC's Commitment to Inclusivity

INEC itself demonstrates a commitment to gender inclusivity within its own structure. The commission has established a Department of Gender and Inclusivity and maintains a regularly updated gender policy. Currently, 12 out of 22 departments and directorates at the INEC headquarters in Abuja are headed by women, accounting for 55% of directors in the capital. The commission also actively engages with political parties, urging them to promote greater representation for under-represented groups in their leadership structures.