Aba, Abia State – In what could be described as a non-violent version of the 1929 Aba Women Revolution, Aba women, on Tuesday , 24th March 2026, staged a peaceful advocacy march on to the office of Hon Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency, to demand greater inclusion of women in governance.
The women, drawn from various groups including the Nigerian League of Women Voters, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Association of Muslim Women, and representatives of Persons With Disabilities (PWD), expressed their dissatisfaction over the delay in the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women.
Speaking at the lawmaker’s office on Pound Road, Aba, the Chairperson of FIDA Abia State, Barr Njideka Aniawonwa, who presented the petition to Mr Sunny Amabo, the representatives of the federal lawmaker, said the women had set aside their daily engagements to appeal for the lawmaker’s support towards the bill’s passage.
While presenting the petition, she urged the Honourable member to use his office to ensure that the Special Seats Bill for Women is passed into law without further delay.
Responding on behalf of the lawmaker, Mr Sunny Amabo assured the group that the petition would be promptly delivered. He expressed support for increased female representation, stating that in a system of 100 politicians, a fair distribution would be 60 men to 40 women.
In a separate interview, the Abia State Coordinator of the Nigeria League of Women Voters, Hon Dame Blessing Nwagba, PhD, emphasized the significance of the nationwide advocacy directed at members of the National Assembly. She highlighted the urgent need for the passage of the bill to enhance inclusive governance in Nigeria.
She lamented that despite Nigerian women’s population strength and contributions to national development, women remain significantly underrepresented across all levels of governance, and from the executive arm to the National and State Assemblies.
Hon. Nwagba called on members of the House of Representatives, particularly those from Abia State, to support the bill and ensure its passage. She further urged them to vote in favour of the bill when presented on the floor and to resist any attempts to dilute or delay its consideration.
Several other women who led various groups, including Mrs Princess Onodugo, strongly threw their weight in support of the passage of the bill.
The peaceful march underscores a growing call for gender equity and inclusive representation in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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