Akande-Sadipe Leads Push for Reserved Seats Bill Ahead of Pivotal National Assembly Vote

The National Assembly is approaching a critical vote on the Reserved Seats Bill (HB 1349), and Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe—Member of the House of Representatives for Oluyole Federal Constituency, the only female Federal lawmaker from Oyo State, and Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora—has emerged as one of the strongest voices backing the legislation.

Akande-Sadipe positioned the Bill as a necessary democratic correction, arguing that Nigeria cannot achieve inclusive governance while women remain significantly underrepresented in parliament.

“This Bill Is a Constitutional Correction,” Says Akande-Sadipe

Akande-Sadipe stressed that the Reserved Seats Bill is not a gift or token gesture but a structural measure intended to break long-standing barriers preventing women from accessing political leadership. With women making up almost half of Nigeria’s population but occupying less than 7% of parliamentary seats, she noted that the imbalance weakens national decision-making and undermines democratic legitimacy.

She added that equitable representation strengthens governance and ensures that decisions reflect the lived realities of all citizens.

Why Akande-Sadipe Says the Bill Matters for National Progress

Drawing from her legislative experience and leadership as Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Akande-Sadipe highlighted how underrepresentation affects critical national sectors such as child welfare, healthcare, humanitarian services, market systems, diaspora engagement, and rural development.

She referenced global evidence showing that countries with stronger female participation in governance achieve better institutional stability, improved social indicators, and faster economic growth.

Advocacy Groups Align With Akande-Sadipe’s Stand on the Reserved Seats Bill



Several civil society and advocacy organisations have amplified Akande-Sadipe’s position, arguing that the passage of HB 1349 is essential for advancing gender equity in Nigeria’s political landscape. They agreed that structural barriers—not lack of ability—have kept women out of leadership roles.

Akande-Sadipe urged civil society partners to sustain advocacy, public enlightenment, and mobilisation as the National Assembly prepares for the decisive vote.

Akande-Sadipe Calls Colleagues to Act With Courage and Fairness

Addressing her colleagues directly, Akande-Sadipe appealed to lawmakers to vote “not through fear of change but through duty to fairness and justice.” She emphasised that no male legislator loses when women gain representation; instead, the nation becomes more balanced, stable, and forward-looking.

As Nigeria awaits the National Assembly’s decision on the Reserved Seats Bill (HB 1349), Akande-Sadipe’s leadership continues to shape conversations around gender-balanced governance and constitutional reform.