The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), alongside allied civil society organizations, has made a compelling appeal to the National Assembly for significant amendments to the 1999 Constitution. During the South West Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution held in Lagos, WRAPA presented a series of demands aimed at enhancing gender representation and strengthening electoral integrity in Nigeria. These proposals are deemed crucial for achieving inclusive, gender-responsive, and credible elections.

A core demand put forth by WRAPA is the constitutional enshrinement of additional legislative seats specifically reserved for women. The proposal includes one extra senatorial seat per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) exclusively for women, one additional House of Representatives seat per state also exclusively for women, and three supplementary state assembly seats per senatorial district designated for women. To facilitate this, WRAPA advocated for a special constituency structure for women contesting these newly created seats. It was specified that these reserved seats would come into effect only after the current national and state assemblies complete their terms. The provision for these additional seats is intended to be temporary, lasting for a period of 16 years, equivalent to four general elections, after which it would be reviewed to determine its retention, adjustment, or abolition. WRAPA urged the accelerated passage, state adoption, and presidential assent to this bill, emphasizing its importance as a national development imperative.

Beyond the critical issue of reserved seats for women, WRAPA also highlighted the necessity of comprehensive reform in the appointment process of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The organization expressed concern that Sections 154(1) and 157 of the constitution, which vest appointment power in the Presidency for INEC leadership, carry the inherent risk of political interference, thereby undermining public confidence in the electoral body. To mitigate this, WRAPA proposed an independent panel-led selection process for INEC officials. This recommendation draws inspiration from the Justice Uwais Committee (2008) recommendations and Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) model. Under this proposed system, an independent panel would nominate three qualified individuals, from whom the President would then select one, subject to the advice of the Council of State and confirmation by the Senate.

Furthermore, WRAPA stipulated specific qualifications for these crucial electoral positions. For the Chairman of INEC, the proposed requirements include a minimum of a first degree, 12 years of working experience (with at least five years in public service or elections matters), a demonstrated record of integrity, and strong strategic leadership and conflict management skills. For National Commissioners, the criteria outlined are a first degree and a minimum of 10 years of working experience, with at least four years in public service or elections. These rigorous requirements, alongside the independent selection process, are seen by WRAPA as vital steps towards ensuring the credibility and impartiality of Nigeria’s electoral framework.