Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that there is a critical need to address and overcome the persistent gender disparities in the nation’s political systems.

This was even as she commended the House of Representatives for initiating and passing for second reading, the bill seeking 70 out of the 360 legislative seats for women in the Green Chamber.

Tinubu, who gave the charge in her speech at the spotlight initiative of the Economic Community of West African States Female Parliamentarians Association, ECOFEPA, held at the alternate chamber of the Senate in the National Assembly, challenged political office holders across the various political parties in the country to walk the talks on gender equity.

“To fully achieve this across the board, we must be seen to walk the talk,” she said.

She said the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, had taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free for women at the grassroots level.

“Constitutional amendments may also be necessary to enshrine gender equity in political representation.

 “I commend the House of Representatives for passing the bill seeking to reserve 74 seats for women in the National Assembly in a bid to encourage more female participation in politics and governance.

“I believe that the leadership in the Senate is gender-friendly and urge the 10th National Assembly to give women the necessary support.