The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian women to unite, mobilise their voting strength and protect their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing their participation as critical to the country’s political future.
The Minister made the call at the Power of 10 Million National Christian Prayers, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, The Power of 10Million in collaboration with the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) in Abuja.
The gathering, held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, brought together women of faith and leaders of various organisations to pray for national unity, improved security, peaceful coexistence and successful elections.
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Sulaiman-Ibrahim identified women’s collective voting strength, estimated at over 10 million votes, as a significant force in the electoral process, urging them to speak with one voice and mobilise in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
She stressed that women’s electoral responsibility should extend beyond casting ballots to protecting their votes and ensuring they are properly counted.
The Minister also highlighted the administration’s commitment to women’s development through budgetary allocations and targeted programmes, urging women to pay attention to policies and initiatives affecting their welfare, economic empowerment and political inclusion.
The prayer session was anchored by Senator Binta Masi Gambo, who led prayers for Nigeria, its leaders and the successful conduct of the 2027 elections.
Bishop Sally Williams emphasised the importance of prayer, national restoration and responsible leadership. Other prayer leaders included Her Eminence General Lady Superintendent Dr Elizabeth A. Akinadewo, Ambassador Dr Rhoda Godwill Johota and Ambassador Elizabeth Abuk, who joined in prayers for national stability, security and effective governance.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Princess Jummai Idonije, opened the gathering with worship and expressed the hope that the initiative would become a sustained platform for intercession for Nigeria and its citizens.
The Centre’s Director-General, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, led a worship rendition and offered the closing prayer, calling on women to support President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The gathering brought together faith-based mobilisation and political engagement, highlighting the potential influence of organised women in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Participants sought divine intervention in the country’s political, economic and security challenges, praying for wisdom for leaders at all levels, an end to insecurity and lasting peace in troubled communities. They also called for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the initiative reinforced calls for women’s active participation, peaceful political engagement and the protection of voting rights, alongside continued prayers for national unity, security and development.
