By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has urged Nigerian women to mobilise 10 million votes ahead of the 2027 general elections and use their collective strength to influence political outcomes.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women could translate their numerical strength into political influence by organising around common interests and making informed choices at the polls.
She spoke at the public presentation of a book ‘Rising Beyond Borders, authored by Dame Esther Uduehi, and the 30th anniversary of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, WOLON, organised in partnership with National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS in Abuja.
The minister who said the mobilisation should be driven by issues affecting women, families and communities urged women to examine the policies, programmes and commitments of candidates before deciding who to support.
“An empowered woman is not merely mobilised; she is informed. She is not merely counted; she is heard. And she is not merely present; she participates meaningfully,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the 2027 elections provided an opportunity for women to demand greater attention to livelihoods, education, healthcare, security and opportunities for their children.
“People do not vote for nothing, and Nigerian women will not vote for nothing,” she said, stressing that women could negotiate from a stronger position when they acted collectively.
She called for unity among women across ethnic, religious, regional and socioeconomic lines and encouraged young women and girls to acquire knowledge, develop their skills and participate actively in public life.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also commended Uduehi for documenting her experiences in Rising Beyond Borders, describing the book as an example of how women can overcome social and institutional barriers as well as create opportunities for others.
Reviewing the book, Professor Funmi Josephine Para-Mallam of Gender and Development Studies said Rising Beyond Borders reflects the experiences and struggles of Nigerian women through the story of its protagonist, Adeze.
She said the book traces Adeze’s journey through education, marriage, motherhood, career and leadership while examining barriers created by culture, gender, poverty and social expectations.
Para-Mallam said the book highlights education as a pathway to opportunity and empowerment for girls and challenges society to address structural barriers that prevent many from reaching their potential.
Earlier, Director-General NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, said the WOLON’s 30th anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on three decades of advocacy, civic education and efforts to expand women’s participation in democratic processes.
He maintained that meaningful democracy required informed citizens, accountable institutions and the inclusion of diverse voices in governance, while reaffirming NILDS’ commitment to partnerships that strengthen democratic institutions and inclusive participation.
The event brought together former government officials, women’s rights advocates, civil society representatives, academics and political stakeholders to mark WOLON’s 30 years of advocacy and celebrate the publication.
Edited by Julian Osamoto
