FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A non-governmental organization, Moment for Women Alliance, has called for coordinated reforms to expand women’s representation in political leadership and decision-making ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The organization made the call at its Let Women Vote Nigeria 2027 Summit, held virtually on Friday, September 18, 2026. The event brought together women leaders, governance and development practitioners, civil society representatives, political and gender advocates, media professionals and other stakeholders.
Held under the theme, “Women Cast the Votes — But Who Holds the Power?”, with the subtitle, “From Participation to Representation: Advancing Women’s Political Leadership and Inclusive Governance Towards 2027,” the summit examined how women’s participation as voters, campaign supporters and political mobilisers could translate into greater representation as candidates, lawmakers and decision-makers.
Discussions focused on candidate selection, political financing, institutional reforms, safety, media representation and the digital political environment. Speakers emphasised the need for political parties, public institutions and other stakeholders to address barriers limiting women’s access to leadership.
Speaking on “Opening the Political Gate: Candidate Selection and Women’s Representation,” Brenda Anugwom, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, highlighted the influence of political parties and candidate-selection processes on women’s access to elective office.
Her contribution drew attention to the structures through which candidates emerge and political opportunities are distributed, underscoring the need to examine women’s access to leadership alongside their participation in electoral activities.
Dr. Cary Goulston, speaking on “Breaking the Fear Barrier: Creating a Safer Political Environment for Women,” addressed the importance of ensuring that women can participate in politics, contest elections and lead without fear, intimidation or exclusion.
The discussion highlighted safety as a necessary condition for meaningful political inclusion, particularly for women seeking to move from electoral participation into positions of authority.
On institutional reform, Hon. Comrade Fred Enaikhe Aleburu urged stakeholders to translate commitments to women’s political inclusion into practical action.
Speaking on “From Commitment to Action: Institutional and Policy Reforms for Women’s Political Representation,” he stressed the need to address systemic barriers and ensure that institutional and policy commitments produce measurable outcomes.
His intervention reinforced the summit’s position that progress depends on changes to laws, policies, party structures and accountability systems, alongside support for individual women pursuing political leadership.
An international panel moderated by H.E./HRM Amb. Queen Dr. Shariza Umira Puteri Binti Kamarozzaman of Malaysia broadened the discussion on women’s political participation and inclusive governance.
The panel featured Lady Ekaette Abanasang Anwana, Esq.; Usman Nadar Khan; DN Syeda Zainab Tahir; Mohammed Alhassan Abu; and Johann Thorgeirsson.
Panellists explored political financing, candidate selection, violence against women in politics, institutional accountability and the development of pathways into leadership for women and young women. They also considered how media coverage and digital communication shape public perceptions of women in leadership, and how online spaces can create additional obstacles to political participation.
Ms Esther Asuquo, Coordinator of the Let Women Vote Nigeria 2027 Campaign, said the campaign seeks to move the national conversation beyond women’s participation as voters.
“Women should not only be counted when votes are needed; women must also be represented where decisions are made,” Ms Asuquo said.
The summit concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among government institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, women-led groups, the media, development partners, and traditional and community institutions.
Priority areas identified included fair and transparent candidate-selection processes, access to political financing, protection against violence and intimidation, fair media coverage, leadership development and institutional accountability.
The summit also stressed the importance of sustained action before, during and after elections to create meaningful opportunities for women to contest, lead, legislate and influence public policy.
Moment for Women Alliance said its Let Women Vote Nigeria 2027 Campaign would continue to promote informed political participation, advocate for safer and more inclusive political spaces, strengthen women’s leadership and engage institutions on practical measures to increase women’s representation in governance.
Watch the full Let Women Vote Nigeria 2027 Summit on YouTube.
Media enquiries:
Ms Esther Asuquo
Coordinator, Let Women Vote Nigeria 2027 Campaign
Moment for Women Alliance
Email: momentforwomen@gmail.com
Website: www.momentforwomen.org
Telephone: +234 811 304 1679
