Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim mobilises women’s voting strength; BWI-RHA DG Dr. Ngozi Oyewole declares support across 774 LGAs
By Chioma Vivian James | Abuja
Nigerian women from various organisations have gathered in Abuja to pray for national unity, improved security, peaceful coexistence and successful conduct of the 2027 general elections, while highlighting their growing role in the nation’s political future.
The gathering, themed “Power of 10 Million National Christian Prayers,” was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN).
Held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, the event brought together women leaders, faith-based groups and advocates for a prayer session dedicated to Nigeria and its leadership.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: Women Must Protect Their Votes
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged Nigerian women to unite and actively participate in the 2027 elections, describing them as major stakeholders whose numerical strength could influence the country’s political direction.
Highlighting women’s collective voting strength, she called for their mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
She also urged women to protect their votes and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, stressing that participation must go beyond voting to ensuring that ballots are properly counted.
The minister further highlighted the administration’s women-focused programmes and budgetary commitments, encouraging women to assess policies affecting their welfare, economic empowerment and development.
Prayer Leaders Seek Divine Intervention
Senator (Pastor) Binta Masi Gambo anchored the prayer session, leading prayers for Nigeria, its leaders and the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Participants sought divine intervention in the country’s security, economic and political challenges, praying for wisdom for public officeholders, an end to insecurity and lasting peace in troubled communities.
They also prayed for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences.
In her exhortation, Bishop Sally Williams drew from biblical passages, including Psalm 51, 1 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Timothy 2:1–3, Isaiah 54:1–7, Psalm 68:1 and Psalm 95:6, emphasising repentance, national restoration and prayers for those in authority.
Other prayer leaders included Her Eminence General Lady Superintendent Dr Elizabeth A. Akinadewo, Ambassador Dr Rhoda Godwill Johota and Ambassador Elizabeth Abuk.
Idonije, Benjamins-Laniyi Emphasise Sustained Engagement
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Princess Jummai Idonije, opened the session with worship and expressed the hope that the initiative would become a sustained platform for praying for Nigeria rather than a one-off gathering.
The Director-General of the Centre, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, also led a worship rendition and offered the closing prayer.
In her remarks, Benjamins-Laniyi called on Nigerian women to support President Tinubu, reinforcing the appeal for women’s active participation in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ngozi Oyewole: Women Across 774 LGAs Back Tinubu
Adding a political dimension to the gathering, the Director-General of the Business Women Initiative for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA), Dr Ngozi Oyewole, declared that women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas were increasingly speaking with one voice in support of President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Oyewole attributed the support to what she described as the administration’s ongoing programmes and achievements, expressing confidence that the President deserved another term to continue his work.
She added that organised women’s groups were prepared to remain actively engaged in the political process as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Her remarks underscored the potential influence of organised women in political mobilisation and the importance of female constituencies in the forthcoming electoral contest.
Women at the Centre of Nigeria’s Future
The gathering combined spiritual intercession with calls for women’s greater involvement in national affairs, placing peace, security, voter participation and political engagement at the heart of discussions.
While prayer leaders called for divine guidance, national restoration and responsible leadership, political advocates stressed women’s voting strength and the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the gathering highlighted the importance of women’s participation in shaping the country’s future and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The organisers expressed hope that the initiative would inspire sustained prayers, strengthen national unity and encourage women to remain actively involved in issues affecting Nigeria’s development.
