Nigerian Women, Step Forward: 2027 is Your Time to Lead

 Nigerian Women, Step Forward: 2027 is Your Time to Lead

By Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Laraba Shoda, 

{President & Founder, Africa League of Women Voters (ALWOV)}

In every sphere of our national life, Nigerian women have proven their worth. We are entrepreneurs driving businesses, teachers shaping young minds, medical professionals saving lives, and caregivers holding families together. Yet, when it comes to politics and governance, our representation remains painfully low.

As we approach the 2027 general elections, I call on Nigerian women to rise with courage and claim their rightful place at the decision-making table. This is our time to lead.

As we approach the 2027 general elections, I call on Nigerian women to rise with courage and claim their rightful place at the decision-making table.

Women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, yet the political landscape is still dominated by men. This imbalance does not reflect the talent, wisdom, and resilience women bring to leadership. Nations across the world have shown that when women are given the opportunity to govern, societies flourish and communities prosper. Nigeria must not remain an exception.

But leadership is not handed over—it must be claimed strategically. That is why I urge women who possess the financial strength, intellectual capacity, social networks, and emotional resilience to step into politics now. Identify a political party that has genuine chances of winning in your constituency and state. Political intelligence demands that we do not labour in vain but work where victory is possible.

At the Africa League of Women Voters (ALWOV), we are committed to supporting women who aspire to contest elections. By joining ALWOV in your state, you will gain a community of women voters and advocates ready to rally behind you. You will not walk this journey alone.

We must become the candidates, the contenders, and the winners. Our voices, our ideas, and our values are needed at the highest levels of governance.

For too long, women have been content with playing supportive roles—campaign singers, mobilizers, or cheerleaders. That era must end. We must become the candidates, the contenders, and the winners. Our voices, our ideas, and our values are needed at the highest levels of governance.

Imagine what Nigeria could look like if more women influenced policy on education, healthcare, economic growth, and social justice. Imagine a country where compassion, integrity, and accountability—qualities women consistently bring to leadership—become the hallmark of governance. This vision is within reach, but only if women step forward.

Sisters, the time is short. 2027 is less than two years away. The process of joining parties, building structures, and mobilizing supporters must begin now. Tomorrow may be too late.

Nigeria cannot rise to her full potential without women at the helm of leadership. Let us not wait for opportunities to be given—we must create them. With courage, competence, and conviction, we can lead Nigeria into a brighter future.

Join the movement. Join ALWOV. Join the race. Lead Nigeria.

Dr Gloria Laraba Shoda is a Board Member of the International Council of Women, ICW, President of Africa Regional Council of Women, and former President of the National Council of Women Societies, NCWS.