3,000 Delegates Expected as Council Mobilises Women for Peaceful Elections, Inclusive Governance Ahead of 2027
By Chioma Vivian James
As Nigeria begins to prepare for the 2027 general elections, the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has launched a major women-focused peace and democracy initiative aimed at placing women at the centre of the country’s democratic conversation.
The initiative, the 1st Nigeria Women Peace, Democracy Summit and Awards 2026, is expected to bring together more than 3,000 women and other stakeholders from Nigeria’s diverse political, ethnic, religious and generational backgrounds.
The summit, scheduled to hold at the African Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, is themed “Women as Catalysts for Peace, Democracy and Inclusive Governance.”
Announcing the initiative during the NCWS National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on September 3, 2026, the council’s 16th National President, Princess Edna D.D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), said Nigeria’s democratic development would remain incomplete without meaningful participation of women in leadership and decision-making.
Azura stressed that women should no longer be regarded merely as voters, campaign mobilisers or supporters during elections, but as active participants in shaping policies and determining the direction of governance.
Beyond the Ballot Box
The summit comes at a critical period as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the NCWS president, Nigerian women continue to make significant contributions to agriculture, healthcare, family welfare, community development and the grassroots economy, yet they remain inadequately represented in elective positions, political appointments and strategic decision-making.
She therefore called on the Federal Government, National Assembly, state governments, political parties and the private sector to establish deliberate mechanisms that would create greater opportunities for women to participate in leadership.
The summit will provide a platform for discussions on women’s political leadership, democracy, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and inclusive governance.
It will also promote interfaith and intergenerational dialogue while bringing women and other stakeholders into engagement with government institutions, traditional rulers, security agencies, diplomatic missions and development partners.
Building a Network of Women Peace Ambassadors
One of the major objectives of the initiative is to develop a nationwide network of women peace ambassadors who can contribute to conflict prevention and peaceful elections across communities.
The NCWS also plans to use the summit to generate practical policy recommendations that can strengthen women’s participation before, during and after elections.
The initiative is projected to cost ₦237.6 million, with the council appealing for financial and in-kind support from government institutions, businesses, diplomatic missions, philanthropists and development partners.
For the organisers, the investment goes beyond staging a single event. It is about building a sustained platform through which Nigerian women can contribute to peace, democratic development and national cohesion.
Honouring Women and Champions of Peace
A major highlight of the summit will be the Nigeria Women Peace and Democracy Awards 2026.
The awards will recognise individuals, institutions and development partners whose contributions have advanced peace, democracy, women’s empowerment and nation-building.
The recognition is expected to shine a spotlight on Nigerians and organisations working quietly across different sectors to strengthen communities, promote inclusion and create opportunities for women and girls.
A Message Beyond Politics
Interestingly, the NCWS gathering was not entirely about politics.
Participants also took part in an aerobic exercise session, drawing attention to another important aspect of women’s empowerment—the need for women to prioritise their own physical wellbeing while carrying the responsibilities of family, career and community service.
Dr. Bolatito Alabi, Selena Ali and Princess Ada Okeke were among those encouraging participants to make physical activity part of their daily routine.
The message was simple but significant: women who are expected to lead, care for families, build businesses and serve communities must also make time for their own wellbeing.
“Women Are Not Spectators in Democracy”
For NCWS, the road to 2027 is therefore not simply about elections or political contests. It is about ensuring that women have the voice, opportunity and capacity to influence the decisions that shape their communities and the nation.
Azura captured the spirit of the initiative when she declared: “Women are not spectators in democracy.”
Her message is a challenge to political leaders, institutions and society to recognise women not merely as participants in the electoral process, but as indispensable partners in building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
With thousands expected to converge in Abuja for the summit, NCWS is seeking to turn that message into a broader national movement—one where women are empowered to help prevent conflict, strengthen democracy and occupy their rightful place in Nigeria’s leadership landscape.
The 2027 elections may be approaching, but for NCWS, the work of building an inclusive democracy must begin long before voters step into the polling booth.
