A powerful convergence of women in Abuja on Tuesday signalled the emergence of what could become one of the most influential political and social forces ahead of the 2027 elections, as Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, declared women the driving force of the country’s next phase of development.
The gathering—tagged the National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally 2026 and themed “The Power of 10 Million”—brought together thousands of women from across the federation in what combined a mass mobilisation, empowerment programme and a subtle but unmistakable political statement of intent.
At the centre of the event was the unveiling of a women’s charter, a far-reaching document described by stakeholders as a policy roadmap, a social contract and a political instrument designed to secure greater inclusion, representation and access to resources for women.
Addressing the crowd, the First Lady framed the moment as a turning point, stressing that women’s participation in governance and nation-building is no longer optional but central to Nigeria’s future.
“We represent over 50 per cent of the population. Therefore, we are in a unique position to influence change,” she said, underscoring the demographic and political weight women command.
She added that Nigeria’s development trajectory has always been shaped by resilient women and that empowering them would strengthen families, communities and the broader economy.
Mrs Tinubu also pledged to deliver the women’s charter to President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a reflection of the collective aspirations of Nigerian women. She commended their endurance amid ongoing economic reforms, assuring them that the benefits of current policies would materialise in the years ahead.
Beyond the symbolism, the rally revealed a coordinated effort to translate women’s numerical strength into structured political influence.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the mobilisation as unprecedented, noting that women are increasingly moving from advocacy into organised political participation.
“What a time to be a Nigerian woman,” she said, adding that the movement represents a unified front cutting across regions, professions and social groups.
According to her, the charter is “more than a document—it is a social contract, a policy promise and a political arrangement” that defines women’s place in Nigeria’s future. She urged women to harness their voting power, describing it as a critical tool for shaping leadership and governance outcomes.
In a clear indication of political direction, the Minister disclosed that women’s groups across the country are aligning in support of President Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 bid, with plans to take the mobilisation campaign from state to state and into grassroots communities nationwide.
Also speaking, APC Deputy National Women Leader and Chair of the Organising Committee, Zainab Ibrahim, said the rally symbolised the aggregation of millions of voices demanding inclusion.
“We represent 10 million voices calling for political, economic and educational inclusion,” she said, noting that the initiative is designed to convert advocacy into tangible opportunities for women at the grassroots.
Reinforcing the strategic dimension of the movement, Chioma Uzodimma and Noimot Salako-Oyedele said the platform goes beyond symbolism, representing a structured national framework to organise women for sustained impact.
They emphasised that while women’s numerical strength is significant, effective coordination and alignment would determine how much influence they wield in governance and policy.
The rally also amplified calls for inclusivity within the movement itself. Lois Auta, President of the Network of Women with Disabilities, highlighted the persistent marginalisation of women with disabilities in political spaces despite existing legal provisions.
“We must move from exclusion to inclusion,” she said, urging deliberate efforts to create pathways for their participation in elective positions.
Throughout the event, speakers stressed unity, sustained engagement and strategic participation, framing the “Power of 10 Million” not just as a slogan but as a coordinated national movement capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.
By the close of proceedings, the Abuja convergence had evolved into more than a show of numbers—it marked the unveiling of an organised, policy-driven and politically conscious women’s bloc, positioning itself as a decisive force in the country’s evolving democratic and development trajectory.
