Activists, Women Groups Rally for Electoral and Gender Reforms at National Assembly

Abuja — The push for electoral reforms gained momentum yesterday as the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) and allied civil society leaders staged a rally at the National Assembly, demanding swift adoption of comprehensive electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, MCE media coordinator Comrade James Ezema said the protest and media engagement aim to intensify civic pressure on lawmakers, following a petition submitted last month. Veteran activist Comrade Olawale Okunniyi, head of MCE’s National Secretariat, described the event as “a continuation of peaceful democratic engagement” to ensure elections genuinely reflect the will of Nigerians.

Prominent figures expected to speak included Dr. Usman Bugaje, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Barr. Femi Falana (SAN), Senator Shehu Sani, among others. Okunniyi emphasized that credible elections are central to strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and restoring public confidence in governance.

He added that MCE and its partners would continue nationwide mobilization until meaningful electoral reforms are realized.

Women Demand Reserved Seats

In a related development, a coalition of women’s groups held a peaceful rally at the National Assembly entrance, advocating for the Women Reserved Seats Bill. The bill, one of 44 constitutional alteration proposals awaiting final voting, seeks to create special constituencies for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly to boost female representation.

Ene Obi, former convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, praised lawmakers’ progress but urged them to hasten the bill’s passage to allow women to contest in the 2027 elections. “A vote for a woman is a vote for life. Women are the hope of life,” she said, stressing the rally was orderly and non-violent.

Rahila Dauda, representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), highlighted Nigeria’s low female representation in government, calling for urgent action. “The time is now. Nigerian women want this bill passed,” she said.

Advocate Lois Auta also demanded a 5% reservation for women with disabilities, in line with the Disability Act, insisting, “It is time we move from exclusion to inclusion. Include us now!”

The rallies mark a renewed civic push for electoral credibility and gender-inclusive representation in Nigeria’s governance ahead of the 2027 polls.