National Assembly Panel Approves New State For South East, Independent Candidacy, More Seats For Women
National Assembly committee approves new state for the South East, independent candidacy, and more legislative seats for women as part of major constitutional reforms to improve fairness and representation in Nigeria.
A major shift in Nigeria’s political structure is underway. The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Constitution Review has approved three key changes. One new state for the South East. Independent candidacy. One more elective seat for women in every state.
The decisions were reached at a closed-door retreat in Lagos. Senator Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu led the meeting.
• Creation of one new state for the South East. The region has five states. Other regions have six. The North West has seven. Leaders say the imbalance is unfair.
• Independent candidacy. This gives qualified Nigerians a chance to contest elections without political parties. More access. More accountability.
• One extra seat for women in the Senate and House of Representatives in each state. Female representation is below 5 percent. The new measure adds 37 seats in the House and 36 in the Senate.
Senator Abdul Ningi moved the motion for the new state. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka seconded. Members supported the proposal. They agreed the decision supports fairness and national unity.
Benjamin Kalu praised the move. He said it supports inclusion. He has pushed for a sixth South East state for years.
Independent candidacy will open the door for credible individuals. It reduces the control of political parties. Lawmakers agreed the reform strengthens trust in elections.
The new gender seat rule targets inequality. It ensures every state has women at the table. Nigeria will move closer to global representation standards.
The resolutions need full approval from the National Assembly. At least 24 State Houses of Assembly must endorse them. The Constitution will be amended after that.
