National Assembly Committee Approves New South-East State, Independent Candidacy, and Women’s Seats in Landmark Reforms
The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Constitution Review has endorsed the creation of an additional state for the South-East geopolitical zone, a decision many see as a major stride toward political equity and deeper democratic inclusion in Nigeria.
PulseNets learnt that the committee also approved independent candidacy in future elections and an extra elective seat for women in every state of the federation — reforms considered among the most far-reaching in Nigeria’s constitutional history.
The resolutions were reached at a closed-door retreat held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, over the weekend, with key lawmakers in attendance.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who co-chaired the session, reportedly emphasized that “the ongoing constitutional review must be guided by national interest, not by political ambition or partisan motives.”
South-East Set for Its Long-Awaited Sixth State
For decades, political leaders from the South-East have called for the creation of a sixth state to bring the zone to parity with others. The region currently comprises only five states — Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo — while the North-West boasts seven.
According to information obtained by PulseNets, the Saturday meeting, which began around 4:00 p.m., was presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker Kalu, who also chairs the House Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review.
The motion for the creation of the new state was reportedly moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ogun State). After extensive debate and deliberation, the proposal received overwhelming support from members of both chambers, anchored on the ideals of equity, fairness, and justice.
PulseNets learnt that beyond the new state, the committee also reached a consensus on recognizing independent candidacy and establishing gender-based legislative seats to ensure broader representation.
A newly formed subcommittee was also mandated to review over 278 pending local government area requests and 55 state creation proposals, ensuring due process and regional balance.
“Long Overdue Act of Fairness”
Speaking after the session, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) told PulseNets that the decision was “a long-overdue act of fairness and justice.”
He added, “No region should be structurally disadvantaged. Giving the South-East an additional state restores balance and strengthens our unity as a federation.”
Kalu, a long-time advocate of the reform, described the development as “a major leap toward equity and inclusion in Nigeria’s federal arrangement.”
Independent Candidacy Gains Momentum
In another progressive reform, lawmakers endorsed the long-debated idea of independent candidacy — a move that will allow credible Nigerians to contest elections without the sponsorship of political parties.
Insiders told PulseNets that the debate on the proposal was “spirited but forward-looking,” with members across party lines agreeing that the change would reduce the influence of party oligarchies and expand democratic participation.
If passed, the reform will necessitate amendments to both the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, defining requirements such as eligibility, nomination procedures, and campaign financing frameworks for independent candidates.
One Additional Legislative Seat for Women
The committee also adopted a groundbreaking proposal to reserve one extra legislative seat for women in both chambers of the National Assembly for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
When ratified, the amendment will add 36 new seats to the Senate and create dedicated FCT women’s seats in the House of Representatives, ensuring every state has female representation.
Nigeria’s current female representation in parliament is below 5%, among the lowest in Africa. The committee’s decision, PulseNets learnt, aims to bridge this gap and align the country with global standards of gender inclusion in governance.
The Next Steps
To harmonise the technical and legal details, the joint committee constituted a sub-panel to refine the proposals before presenting them at plenary. Once adopted, they will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for concurrence as required by law.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau urged members to sustain national consensus on the reforms, saying, “We must build bridges across political and regional lines to ensure these reforms meet the constitutional threshold. When we get to the final vote, every Nigerian should feel represented in this process.”
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The committee’s decisions represent a renewed commitment by the 10th National Assembly to address long-standing structural imbalances, promote gender equity, and expand democratic access across Nigeria.
If ratified, the proposed amendments could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape — reaffirming that every region and citizen deserves an equal stake in shaping the nation’s future.
