Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has urged Nigerian women to begin early mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the struggle for inclusion cannot be postponed until campaigns begin.
Adeleye made the call on Thursday during the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025) in Abuja, where she spoke at a Fireside Chat session themed “Breaking Barriers through the Power of Community.”
She emphasized that Nigerian women must rediscover their historic collective power to change the political landscape, stressing that no single woman can achieve meaningful impact alone.
“If a single woman could once gather all women to stop what she felt was unfair, that collective power has always been there. At some point, we lost it. We have to come together as one. Nobody can walk alone to achieve the desired goal of women,” she said.
The commissioner argued that economic empowerment was the foundation of effective political participation, noting that women who are financially independent are better equipped to navigate Nigeria’s heavily monetized political space.
“When women who couldn’t afford land to farm before have come together to get land and are making money, that economic empowerment is key. When you have money, politics is easier. Money is important,” she explained.
Highlighting the Nigeria for Women Project, a World Bank-backed initiative piloted in Ogun State, Adeleye said grassroots organizing has already shown potential in shaping political outcomes.
She recalled how affinity groups mobilized during the last local government elections to support preferred candidates.
Adeleye also pushed for deliberate policies to address gender imbalance in Nigeria’s politics, stressing that equity, rather than equality, must be the starting point.
“There cannot be equality without equity. Men already have 95 percent of leadership. We must first talk about equity to catch up,” she declared.
She dismissed the stereotype that women do not support one another, insisting that solidarity among women is strengthening.
“I told the men, stop coming to us to say women are their own enemies. For one woman who is not supporting me, I have 10 women who are supporting me,” she said.
Drawing from her over 30 years in politics and public service, Adeleye underscored the importance of humility, mentorship, and service in sustaining leadership. However, she cautioned against selfish leadership, warning women leaders not to abandon those who supported them.
“Some women ride on the back of other women to get positions. When they get there, they forget those women. I want to see twenty more women uplifted, even if in lesser positions, so they can speak for us,” she said.
The commissioner further urged stronger collaboration between urban and rural women, stressing that bridging the gap would boost women’s influence in 2027.
Looking ahead, she warned that time was running out for women to organize.
“The journey starts now. We do not have two years. We talk only near elections and then go to sleep. There must be sustainable conversations spanning years,” she said.
Adeleye concluded with a rallying call for solidarity:
“For every woman standing for election in your state, support her. If you are not contesting, support those who are. Women have the power, the tenacity, and the resilience to make it.”
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