Writing By Daniel Karlmax ; Editing By Godwin Duru
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, women advocacy groups across Nigeria have intensified calls for greater support for female candidates who emerged victorious in their various party primaries.
The National President of the Women Wing of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, made the appeal during an interview with journalists in Kaduna.
She congratulated all women who successfully secured their parties’ tickets and urged Nigerian women to rise above political, ethnic, and religious differences by supporting female candidates across all political parties.
According to her, increasing the number of women in elective positions remains critical to strengthening democracy and ensuring inclusive governance in Nigeria.
She noted that several African countries and nations around the world have successfully elected women into top leadership positions, including the presidency, adding that Nigeria should not be left behind in promoting women’s political participation.
“Women constitute a significant percentage of the population and voting strength in the country. If women unite and support one another, more female candidates will emerge victorious and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.
Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani further encouraged women to come out in large numbers during the 2027 elections and vote for qualified female candidates, stressing that women have consistently demonstrated commitment, dedication, and integrity in leadership and public service.
She disclosed that her organization is working on launching a campaign tagged ‘Women for Women’, aimed at mobilizing support, resources, and advocacy for female candidates who won their party primaries, to enable them compete effectively in the forthcoming elections.
She also emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in politics, noting that greater female representation would help advance girl-child education, tackle poverty, reduce unemployment, and address other social challenges affecting women and vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa, Hajiya Rabi Saulawa, expressed concern over the relatively low number of women who secured victories in the recently concluded party primaries.
She called on women across the country to support and encourage female candidates seeking elective offices, describing women’s solidarity as essential to achieving meaningful political representation.
Similarly, Hajiya Hafsat Baba of the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development revealed plans to organize capacity-building programmes for female candidates, particularly those contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
She congratulated all successful female aspirants and assured them of continued support through training and mentorship programmes designed to equip them with effective communication, leadership, and campaign skills ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The women leaders unanimously called for greater inclusion of women in Nigeria’s political process, stressing that empowering women politically remains key to achieving sustainable development, social justice, and national progress.
