By Divine Sam
The House of Representatives in Nigeria has introduced a bill to amend Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution, proposing to increase the number of representatives from 360 to 366. This change, presented as the “Sixth Alteration” Bill (HB.1811), aims to allocate six special seats for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
Sponsored by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi, the bill seeks to enhance representation by distributing these special seats evenly across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Candidates for these positions must meet the same qualifications as regular members. Elections will be conducted through an electoral college comprising representatives from national associations of the targeted groups.
Rotimi emphasized that the bill addresses the barriers faced by women and PWDs in political participation, aiming for a more inclusive legislative framework in Nigeria.