The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has called on women across Nigeria to support female candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking at the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards in Abuja, Adeleye emphasized the need for immediate action to promote women’s inclusion in politics.

According to Adeleye, women must tap into their collective strength to effect change in Nigeria’s political landscape. She noted that economic empowerment is crucial for women’s participation in politics, as those with resources are better equipped to navigate the country’s money-driven political system. Adeleye cited the example of women who have come together to access land and training, enabling them to support candidates in local elections.

The commissioner pointed to the Nigeria for Women Project, a World Bank-supported initiative, as a successful model of grassroots mobilization translating into political influence. Through this project, women have pooled resources, accessed farmland, and received leadership training, ultimately backing candidates in local elections.

Adeleye also addressed the structural imbalances in Nigeria’s political system, arguing that equity, rather than just equality, is necessary to address historical gender exclusion. She emphasized that deliberate policies are needed to correct these imbalances, as men currently hold 95 percent of leadership positions.

The commissioner urged women to collaborate and support one another, dispelling the notion that women do not help each other. She called on women to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, increasing their collective power ahead of the 2027 elections. Adeleye encouraged women to support female candidates in their states, whether by contesting elections themselves or backing those who are.

The commissioner’s remarks highlight the importance of women’s participation in politics and the need for collective action to promote gender inclusion. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Adeleye’s call to action emphasizes the significance of economic empowerment and collaboration among women in shaping the country’s political future. With the Nigeria for Women Project serving as a model, women across the country can work together to increase their representation and influence in politics.