Ogun 2027: Women urged to turn political influence into decision-making power

Women in Ogun State have been urged to move beyond political mobilisation and become active participants in decision-making and leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Temitope Adeola, wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, made the call yesterday at the Ogun State Political Stakeholders’ Forum, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital.

The forum, tagged “Stronger Together: Women Unite for Victory – One Woman, Ten Votes”, brought together political stakeholders and women leaders to discuss women’s participation in the political process.

Adeola said women played a vital role in sustaining families and developing communities but needed to translate their contributions into greater political influence and representation.

“No community can survive without women, who sustain its families, strengthen its communities and contribute to its development. But beyond the role of women in keeping society together, there is an equally important question: how much influence do they have in determining the direction in which that community goes?”

She described women as a significant electoral force, citing figures showing that female voters accounted for 50.81% of Ogun State’s 2,688,305 registered voters during the 2023 general elections.

She added that the state’s registered voter population had risen to 3,037,981 as of October 2026, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with women continuing to account for nearly half of the electorate.

Adeola said the forum’s “One Woman, Ten Votes” message was intended to encourage women to use their influence to mobilise others and participate actively in shaping political outcomes.

“We must therefore move beyond being present at political gatherings to become active participants in the political process. Hence, the message of ‘One Woman, Ten Votes’ is about the power of influence and the ability of every woman to mobilise others,” she said.

She urged women to remain politically engaged beyond election periods by demanding accountability, promoting development and contributing to decisions affecting their communities.

Adeola also said the proposed gathering would continue after the elections, adding that the incoming administration would prioritise women’s inclusion and work with Community Development Associations to promote grassroots development.

The Ogun state first lady, Bamidele Abiodun, commended Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her leadership and initiatives aimed at empowering women across the country.

She said the forum’s theme highlighted the need for collective action, adding that women had the organisational strength and grassroots networks to influence electoral outcomes.

“Women, it is time to translate this innate strength and daily influence into definitive political power. Women must move beyond being passive supporters to becoming the main drivers who shape political conversations, dictate outcomes and deliver victory.”

Abiodun urged women to put aside differences in age, background, religion and experience, saying unity was essential to achieving their political aspirations.

She also called on them to deploy their organisational skills and grassroots influence in support of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Ogun state deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said women remained central to the party’s activities, acknowledging their contributions to mobilisation and political organisation at ward, local government and state levels.

She, however, urged women to seek greater recognition and a fairer share of political opportunities, arguing that their role should extend beyond mobilising votes for candidates.

“We have heard from everybody who was here speaking that women do a lot and they have their grind, but we do not get enough recognition. It is not a zero-sum game; it is not us versus the men. We are just asking for a fairer share of things.”

Salako-Oyedele expressed confidence in the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, and his running mate, Kuburat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun.

She urged women across the state to work together to secure victory for the party in the 2027 governorship election.