Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi Backs NILOWV’s Campaign for Special Seats for Women in Parliament

In a significant move toward promoting gender inclusion in Nigerian politics, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, a distinguished member of the Nigerian Parliament representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, has pledged his full support for the passage of the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly.

The commitment came during a courtesy visit by the Strategic Legislative Advocacy Committee, a team inaugurated by the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON. The committee, speaking through Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), sought Hon. Gagdi’s endorsement and partnership in advancing the women’s representation bill.

Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, who led the delegation, emphasized that the Special Seats for Women Bill aims to create equitable political space for women, ensuring they are adequately represented in both federal and state legislatures. She noted that women form nearly half of Nigeria’s population but remain significantly underrepresented in political offices.

“The bill is not about favoring one gender over the other,” she stated. “It’s about correcting historical imbalances, recognizing the immense capacity of Nigerian women, and ensuring their voices are heard in the governance of our nation.”

In his response, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi expressed strong admiration for NILOWV’s consistency and advocacy for women’s inclusion in leadership. He commended the Speaker’s foresight in setting up the Strategic Legislative Advocacy Committee, noting that such engagements strengthen participatory democracy.

“I am fully in support of the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill,” Hon. Gagdi declared. “I will personally lead the campaign among my colleagues to ensure it receives the needed votes. Beyond that, I will convene further advocacy engagements with fellow lawmakers to drive home the importance of this bill.”

He reaffirmed that empowering women politically is essential for national progress, emphasizing that nations that prioritize gender inclusion often experience greater stability, innovation, and development.

The visit concluded with a renewed sense of optimism among the delegation, as NILOWV and its leadership continue to build alliances within the legislature and civil society. Through sustained advocacy and partnerships with champions like Rt. Hon. Gagdi, the dream of achieving meaningful women’s representation in Nigeria’s political system moves closer to reality.

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