With less than two years until the 2027 general elections, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, urged on Thursday for a national women's movement to support female candidates.
As stated by her office, the Commissioner made this statement on Thursday during the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards in Abuja, emphasizing that the struggle for inclusion should not be postponed until election time.
The two-term legislator, who addressed the Fireside Chat session titled "Breaking Barriers through the Power of Community," highlighted that women need to reclaim their historical collective power to transform Nigeria's political scene.
She stated, "If a single woman could ever bring all women together to oppose what she perceived as unjust, that combined strength has always existed. At some point, we lost it. We must unite as one. No one can achieve the desired outcome for women alone."
The commissioner highlighted economic empowerment as the basis for political involvement, pointing out that women who have access to resources are more capable of dealing with Nigeria's financially oriented political environment.
Adeleye mentioned, "When women who previously couldn't afford land to farm unite to obtain land and start earning money, that represents economic empowerment, which is crucial for political empowerment. Having money makes politics more accessible. Money plays a significant role."
She referenced the Nigeria for Women Project, a program backed by the World Bank that was tested in Ogun State, as proof of how local activism can lead to political power.
According to Adeleye, through network groups, women have combined their resources, obtained access to agricultural land, and received leadership training, which has allowed them to support candidates in local elections.
She mentioned, "In the most recent local government election, we observed women uniting and stating, 'this is the person you should support.'"
Adeleye also discussed the structural inequalities within Nigeria's political framework, contending that fairness—rather than mere equality—is the route to progress.
"It's impossible to achieve equality without addressing equity. Men currently hold 95 percent of leadership positions. We need to focus on equity first to make up for lost time," she stated, emphasizing the importance of intentional policies to rectify past gender-based exclusion.
Dismissing a widespread stereotype, the commissioner challenged the idea that women do not stand by each other. "I told the men, stop approaching us claiming women are their own adversaries."
"One woman who isn't backing me doesn't outweigh the ten who are," she stated, emphasizing that unity among women is already transforming political landscapes.
Leveraging more than 30 years of experience in politics and public work, she attributed her path to the principles of humility, guidance, and dedication.
She, however, warned against self-centered leadership, stating, "Some women climb on the backs of other women to attain positions. Once they reach there, they forget those women. I hope to see twenty more women supported, even if in lower roles, so they can represent us."
The Commissioner also called for cooperation between women in urban and rural areas, emphasizing that closing the gaps will enhance women's power as the year 2027 approaches.
"It is impossible to ascend without the other. We require urban women, even those not running for office, to back rural women and those just starting out. Mentorship and fostering a sense of community are essential," she emphasized.
In the future, the commissioner cautioned that there is little time left and women need to take action right away.
She mentioned, "The journey begins today. We don't have two more years. We only discuss things around elections and then return to inaction. There needs to be ongoing discussions that last for years."
Encouraging women to get involved in their local areas, Adeleye said, "For every woman running for office in your state, back her. If you're not running, support those who are. Women possess the strength, determination, and perseverance to succeed."
Likewise, on September 24th, 2025, ElectHER, a pan-African non-partisan group promotinggender-inclusive democracyIn Anambra State, efforts have been directed towards promoting gender-sensitive democracy and enhancing women's involvement in the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election.
The gathering united important participants, such as INEC delegates, security organizations, political groups, civil society, scholars, and local women leaders, to explore methods for boosting female participation in the voting system.
Discussions highlighted efforts to boost voter engagement, eliminate obstacles for women's involvement in politics, and encourage fair, tranquil, and representative elections. The project received backing from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) program.
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