Lagos: The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), supported by the European Union (EU), has released survey findings showing overwhelming public support for women’s representation in governance.
The results were presented on Tuesday during a webinar titled ‘Sustaining Momentum for the Special Seats Bill: Survey Insights on Public Understanding and Support.’
The nationwide poll, commissioned by PLAC and conducted by NOIPolls in June 2025, surveyed more than 3,000 Nigerians across all six geo-political zones, 36 states, and the FCT.
Dr Chike Nwangwu, CEO of NOIPolls, highlighted the significant support for women’s political representation across all demographics surveyed, instilling a sense of encouragement and hope in the audience.
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, underlining the broad consensus across gender lines and fostering a sense of unity and support in the audience.
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 unwavering commitment to ensuring inclusive governance remains firmly on the legislative agenda, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in the audience.
She stressed that the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats specifically reserved for women, would remain the central focus of advocacy efforts. These seats are intended to address the underrepresentation of women in governance and to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Akinyeye noted the strong support from the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, which has shown a commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance. She urged that public backing must be translated into concrete legislative outcomes, and expressed optimism that the Bill will receive the necessary support for its passage.
She praised civil society efforts, stressing the opportunity to convert data into action by leveraging survey findings to sustain momentum. Civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for the Bill, and their continued efforts are essential for its success.
“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 crucial role of political advocacy at the constituency level to advance inclusive representation, inspiring a sense of urgency and action in the audience.
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.
