WRAPA Proposes Reform of INEC Leadership Selection

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) has urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Additional/Reserved Seats Bill for Women. The Bill proposes the creation of additional seats in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly exclusively for women.

She made the appeal at a public hearing session of 1999 Constitutional review Committee seating held in Kaduna state.

According to Hajiya Saudatu S. Mahdi, Secretary General of WRAPA, the Bill is crucial for promoting inclusive governance and accelerating national development. “If passed, it will position Nigeria for accelerated, inclusive development, align us with other progressive nations advancing gender-balanced governance,” she said.

WRAPA has made several key recommendations on the Bill, including Providing a special constituency structure for women contesting the additional seats.

The Women advocacy group also suggests Making the reserved seats take effect after the current National and State Assemblies complete their term Limiting the provision to 16 years (four general elections) after which it will be reviewed to determine if it should be retained, adjusted, or abolished

“In addition to the Additional Seats Bill, WRAPA has also urged attention to ongoing calls for reforming Nigeria’s electoral integrity by improving how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership is appointed.

“We propose an independent panel-led selection process, drawing from the Justice Uwais Committee (2008) recommendations and Kenya’s IEBC model,” Hajiya Mahdi said.

The proposed reform of INEC leadership selection is expected to guarantee impartiality and operational independence, enhance public trust in electoral processes, and align Nigeria with international best practices.

WRAPA has called on the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Additional/Reserved Seats Bill for Women and consider constitutional amendments reforming INEC leadership selection.

“We respectfully urge for the accelerated passage, state adoption, and Presidential assent to this Bill as a national development imperative,” Hajiya Mahdi said.