“We Deserve Additional Seats Too” — Network of Women with Disabilities Demands 5% Political Representation at Constitutional Review Hearing Public Hearing.

By Inclusive Reporters

In a bold and history-making moment, the Network of Women with Disabilities, led by renowned disability advocate Hon. Lois Auta, has called for the reservation of 5% political seats for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) — with special emphasis on women.

The demand was presented on Saturday, July 12, 2025, during the North East Center A Public Hearing on Constitutional Review, held at the International Conference Centre, Gombe. The hearing convened delegates and stakeholders from Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba States at the International Conference Centre,Gombe under the auspices of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“We deserve additional seats too!” Hon. Auta declared passionately, presenting a comprehensive memorandum on behalf of millions of PWDs to Hon. Bello Usman Kumo, Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the North East Center A panel.

A Legislative Pathway for Inclusion

Inclusive Reporters has learnt that a related piece of legislation — the Special Seat Bill No. 38, HB 1931 — is currently being considered and seeking approval. This bill seeks to further alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as altered) to provide for special seats for physically challenged persons in Nigeria’s federal, state, and local government legislative houses.

If passed, the bill would amend Sections 48, 49, 71, 77, 91, 117, and Part I of the 3rd Schedule to provide:

• Dedicated seats in the Senate and House of Representatives for physically challenged persons.
• One additional representative per geo-political zone, all of whom shall be persons with disabilities.
• Reserved seats in State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Legislative Councils.

This legislative effort aligns directly with the Network’s memorandum, which emphasizes structured political inclusion over symbolic gestures.

---

Why This Matters: Equity, Not Sympathy

“We are not asking for pity. We are demanding representation, equity, and a seat at the table where decisions about our lives are made,” said Hon. Auta.

The 5% political reservation would guarantee that women and men with disabilities are not sidelined in legislative decision-making, especially at the grassroots where policies affect their daily lives.

---

Purpose of the Public Hearing

The ongoing constitutional review hearings aim to:

1. Ensure broader citizen participation in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.
2. Encourage the exchange of ideas across sectors and communities.
3. Provide feedback on submitted memoranda, clarifying how public input influences legislative reforms.

Hon. Auta’s presentation stood out as a resolute voice for inclusion, urging lawmakers to seize this moment to make constitutional history.

---

A Historic Opportunity for Nigeria

As pressure mounts for greater inclusion in governance, both the memorandum from the Network of Women with Disabilities and the proposed Bill No. 38, HB 1931 present an opportunity for Nigeria to correct longstanding political imbalances.

“Our demand is not symbolic. We want measurable, legal inclusion,” Hon. Auta reiterated. “Anything less keeps us invisible.”

---

The Road Ahead

With the House of Representatives Committee currently reviewing submissions, all eyes are now on whether the call for reserved seats for PWDs will be adopted as part of the next constitutional amendment.

Should the bill and accompanying proposals succeed, it would be a transformational victory for disability rights, inclusive governance, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.

More photos