The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with the support of the European Union (EU), has released findings from a nationwide survey showing overwhelming public support for women’s representation in governance.
The results, presented on tuesday during a webinar, were from a poll commissioned by PLAC and conducted by NOIPolls in June 2025. The survey engaged more than 3,000 Nigerians across all six geo-political zones, 36 states, and the FCT.
Dr Chike Nwangwu, the CEO of NOIPolls, noted that despite low public awareness of the specific “special seats bill,” there is significant support for women’s political representation across all demographics surveyed. The findings underscore a strong societal consensus on the need for greater gender inclusion in government.
Presenting findings from the Perception Poll Report on Public Awareness and Understanding of the Special Seats Bill, Nwangwu said 91 per cent of respondents supported increased women’s participation in governance.
He added that 96 per cent of women and 89 per cent of men backed this view, reflecting a broad consensus across gender lines.
Nwangwu stated that 58 per cent of respondents expressed trust in institutions to advance the Bill, but participation in consultations or public forums remained very low at one per cent.
Nearly half, 49 per cent of respondents, recommended public awareness campaigns as the most effective strategy to build support, followed by social media mobilisation and partnerships with women’s groups.
Omolara Akinyeye, Deputy Executive Director of PLAC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring inclusive governance remains firmly on the legislative agenda.
She stressed that the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats for women, would remain the central focus of advocacy efforts.
Akinyeye noted the strong support from the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and urged that public backing must be translated into concrete legislative outcomes.
She praised civil society efforts, stressing the opportunity to convert data into action by leveraging survey findings to sustain momentum.
“The real test lies in transforming the current energy into citizen demands on representatives – demands that become actual votes on the floor of the National Assembly,” she said.
OlaOluwa Olawumi, EU Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law, and Gender, highlighted the EU’s commitment to inclusive governance and anticipation of further deliberations on the Bill.
“True development cannot be achieved without ensuring all members of society have a voice in decisions that affect them.
“Women’s political participation is essential for sustainable development and overall societal progress.
“The EU will continue supporting opportunities that strengthen women’s involvement in governance and decision-making,” Olawumi said.
Former House of Representatives member from Taraba, Rimamnde Shawulu, stressed the importance of political advocacy at the constituency level to advance inclusive representation.
Similarly, Esther Ijeaku, CEO of Skill Hub Consulting, highlighted strategic communications as vital for advocacy, stressing how empowered civil society groups can drive sustainable impact on the Bill.
