Empowering Women and Youth in Nigerian Politics: Insights from the APC Lagos Women’s Summit

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasized the critical need for women and youth to engage actively in politics to secure Nigeria’s future. Representing the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, articulated this vision during the recent APC Lagos State Women’s Summit, themed “Arise, Aspire, Ascend.”

Mobilizing for Political Involvement

During her address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated that women have historically played a vital role in grassroots mobilization and party strategy. She urged them to transform their grassroots strength into meaningful leadership positions and policymaking roles. “As women, we must arise from complicity, aspire to take our rightful place in leadership, and ascend to new levels of impact,” she remarked.

Engaging the Youth in Democracy

The governor underscored the importance of involving young citizens, especially first-time voters, in the political process from an early stage. He highlighted that if 4,000 individuals each succeeded in registering 20 new voters, it would yield 80,000 new voices advocating for democracy. This strategy is vital for enhancing electoral participation, especially considering the dismal turnout recorded in the 2023 elections, where only 762,000 of the seven million registered voters cast their ballots.

Women’s Collective Action and pledges for 2027

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, shared plans for uniting Nigerian women to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. She praised the President’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and youth development, stating that women are the “heartbeat of this administration.”

• Despite making up a significant portion of the population, women currently hold only 3.7% of elective offices.
• The Ministry of Women Affairs has allocated N2.5 billion for small and medium enterprises and an additional N2 billion for women in agriculture.

“When women are economically empowered, they can uplift their families and communities,” Ibrahim added, highlighting the transformative potential of financial independence for women.

A Call to Action

Ibrahim encouraged women and youth, particularly first-time voters, to ensure they register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). She stressed that political engagement must extend beyond mere attendance at rallies and that women should seek election positions based on merit rather than charity.

The Road to 2027

APC Lagos Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi reaffirmed his support for Tinubu, stating that his government’s economic reforms have fostered international respect for Nigeria. Echoing this sentiment, APC National Women Leader Dr. Mary Alile Idele called for proactive engagement, while Lagos APC Women Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas urged women to transition from being silent beneficiaries to assertive ambassadors for the APC’s accomplishments.

Okoya-Thomas announced the launch of a women’s mobilization platform aimed at voter education and community organizing, emphasizing that grassroots involvement is foundational to societal progress. “When women dream, societies evolve,” she concluded, directing local governments to mobilize at least 1,000 young voters before the year’s end.

Conclusion

The APC Lagos Women’s Summit concluded with a passionate rallying cry for women and youth to rise, aspire, and ascend within the political landscape, inspiring renewed commitments to participate in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.