2027: Nigerian Women Told to Stop Begging and Start Fighting for Power
Abuja — Former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih, has dropped a truth bomb that should shake every Nigerian woman awake: political power is not handed out like charity. It is won through organisation, negotiation, and pure grit. Speaking at a roundtable in Abuja, she told women to stop waiting for a seat at the table and start carrying their own chairs in.
Anenih, who chairs the Board of Trustees of the 100 Women Lobby Group, did not mince words. “Nobody gives women political power. You have to fight for it. You have to take it, grab it, and run with it,” she said. This is not a suggestion. It is a battle cry for 2027.
Why Nigerian Women Must Stop Waiting for Power
For decades, women have been the backbone of election campaigns. They mobilise voters, sustain party structures, and do the grunt work. Yet when the spoils are shared, they are left outside the room. Anenih knows this all too well. “I realised that you cannot change anything unless you are inside the room. If you are not in the room, you cannot influence decisions,” she said.
The message is clear: participation without power is exploitation. And Nigerian women are tired of being used.
How to Claim Your Place at the Table
Anenih urged women to build alliances, lobby strategically, and stay connected to grassroots women. “Carry your chair into the room if necessary. You have to claim your place at the table,” she said. This is about more than just running for office. It is about changing the game from the inside.
Dr Felicia Onibon, National Coordinator of the 100 Women Lobby Group, added that sustainable investment in leadership development and mentorship is crucial. “Real campaigns require mentorship and support so that a woman’s candidacy is not determined by whether her grandfather had enough money to give to leaders in her community,” she said. In other words, talent and drive should matter more than family connections.
Political Parties Must Step Up
Onibon called on political parties to strengthen internal structures and provide continuous training for women. She also urged women to stay engaged after elections, monitoring outcomes and holding parties accountable. “None of this is charity. We are not begging for special treatment in this process,” she said.
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Blessing Anunike reaffirmed the government’s commitment. “Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development without the meaningful participation of women in decision-making,” she said. But words are cheap. Action is what counts.
From Participation to Leadership
Mrs Anita Zugwai-Chukwu, President of the National Women Leaders Forum, stressed that women must turn their numerical strength into real influence. “Participation without influence and representation is not enough,” she said. And Mrs Adenike Abdulrahman drove the point home: “Participation without leadership is exploitation.”
Abdulrahman called for the 35 per cent affirmative action principle, funding for female candidates, and protection from political violence. She also urged the media to cover women on issues beyond gender, like the economy and security. “Nigeria does not have a women problem. Nigeria has a leadership deficit, and women are part of the solution,” she said.
What’s Next for 2027?
The roundtable ended with a call for political parties, government, civil society, and the media to support reforms that boost women’s political participation. The Reserved Seats Bill was also pushed as a key tool. But the real work lies with women themselves. As Anenih said, don’t wait for power. Fight for it.
This is not about begging. This is about taking what is rightfully yours. Nigerian women, the time is now.