By our correspondant
Deputy National Women leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, who was newly elected Deputy National Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has called on the National Assembly to support special seats for women as a means of equity, justice, inclusion, and national development.
Ibrahim was elected as the Deputy National Chairman of IPAC at the IPAC Executive Election held on the 8th of December, 2025, at the IPAC National Secretariat in Garki, marking the first time a female has been elected into that position.
The APC Deputy women leader made the call Monday while addressing journalists at the National Secretarariat of APC.
She lamented that women are grossly under-represented in Nigeria’s political space, stressing that in the Senate, there are only four women out of 109; while in the House of Representatives, there are only 17 out of 360 members.
“Politics is a game of numbers. Without representation, voices are not heard.
Women are disadvantaged financially, educationally, socially, and politically. The advocacy for special seats is about equity, not superiority.
“The proposal is for one Senate seat and one House of Representatives seat per state reserved exclusively for women to contest among themselves.
“Currently, about 13 states have no female representation in their Houses of Assembly. Reserved seats will ensure women are part of decision-making and committee leadership.Women multitask and contribute immensely to governance. Reserved seats will ensure women sit at the decision-making table,” Ibrahim argued.
Speaking on what she intends to achieve in her new position as IPAC Deputy chairman, she said: “I intend to be a pillar of stability to promote dialogue and consensus among political parties. I will also ensure the promotion of electoral integrity by championing the implementation of the Electoral Act and ensuring compliance by all parties.
I will promote inclusivity by carrying along vulnerable groups—persons with disabilities, youths, and especially women.
“I will champion electoral and democratic reforms by ensuring IPAC’s recommendations are taken seriously by the ruling party, both in the legislative and executive arms of government.
I will also ensure IPAC leads by example by setting standards for internal democracy, transparency, and accountability.
“Furthermore, I will foster dialogue and respond to opposition concerns constructively, ensuring mutual respect rather than toxic rivalry. IPAC is not an opposition body; the ruling party is also a member.
“I will ensure the vision and objectives of my party are clearly understood within IPAC so stakeholders understand the government’s direction.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, thank you for having me this afternoon.”
