The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and its partner civil society organizations have called on the National Assembly to initiate significant constitutional reforms, advocating for both enhanced women’s representation in legislative bodies and a reformed selection process for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership. These proposals were formally presented at the South West Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Lagos.

A core demand from WRAPA focuses on securing additional legislative seats exclusively for women. The organization proposed constitutional provisions for one additional Senatorial seat per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), one additional House of Representatives seat per state, and three additional State Assembly seats per senatorial district. To facilitate this, a special constituency structure would be established for women contesting these newly reserved seats. WRAPA clarified that these provisions would become effective only after the terms of the current national and state assembly members conclude. Furthermore, this special arrangement for reserved seats would be temporary, lasting for 16 years (equivalent to four general elections), after which its impact and necessity would be thoroughly reviewed to determine its continuation, adjustment, or abolishment. WRAPA underscored the urgency of these reforms, calling for accelerated passage, state adoption, and presidential assent to the bill, emphasizing its imperative role in national development.

Beyond the critical issue of women's reserved seats, WRAPA also addressed the need for substantial reform in the appointment process of INEC’s leadership. The group argued that the existing provisions in Sections 154(1) and 157 of the 1999 Constitution, which grant the Presidency sole power over these appointments, inherently risk political interference and erode public trust in the electoral system. To counter this, WRAPA proposed an independent panel-led selection process. This model draws inspiration from the recommendations of the Justice Uwais Committee (2008) and mirrors the structure used by Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 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.

WRAPA further detailed specific qualification criteria for prospective INEC leaders. For the position of INEC Chairman, a candidate should possess a minimum of a first degree, along with 12 years of professional working experience, at least five of which must be in public service or elections-related matters. Essential attributes also include integrity, strategic leadership capabilities, and conflict management skills. For a National Commissioner, the requirements include a first degree and a minimum of 10 years of working experience, with at least four years in public service or elections. WRAPA concluded that both the introduction of reserved seats for women and the reform of INEC’s appointment processes are vital prerequisites for achieving truly inclusive, gender-responsive, and credible elections across Nigeria.