By Gabriel Ameh
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NIWOWV), FCT Chapter, has held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, combining the gathering with a Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Campaign aimed at mobilizing women to actively participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Themed “Empowering Women’s Voices: Register, Vote and Lead”, the event brought together politicians, gender advocates, development partners, and women leaders across the FCT, who rallied behind the call for women to transform their demographic strength into political influence.
Delivering the keynote address, Chikas Kunle, politician, gender advocate, and Executive Director of Women Development Monitoring Initiative, charged Nigerian women to seize the power of the ballot, not only as voters but as candidates and leaders.
“Continuous voter registration is not just about acquiring a card; it is about unlocking the power of decision-making. Women must rise, mobilize their peers, and boldly step into leadership. Together, we can shift the tide and build a Nigeria where women lead, inspire, and transform society,” Kunle declared.
In her national address, the President of NIWOWV, Mrs. Irene Awunah Ikyegh, reaffirmed the League’s mission to amplify women’s voices in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Our democracy is incomplete without women at its center. As electoral reforms gain momentum, we must position ourselves as stakeholders, not spectators. Every woman here must be an ambassador of voter registration and a champion of leadership. Our journey to 2027 begins now,” she said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of NIWOWV FCT Chapter, Comrade Sandra Ogbonna, in her opening remarks, stressed that women must take deliberate steps to translate their numbers into political strength.
“Women form the backbone of our communities, yet our representation in governance does not reflect our true potential. Today is a call to action register, vote, and lead. The time is now,” she urged.
The event also featured goodwill messages from partners and stakeholders. Hon. Amb. Mina Horsfall, Special Adviser on ICT and Development, emphasized the role of technology in ensuring inclusivity and transparency.
“ICT and voter registration must go hand in hand. Women must embrace digital platforms to mobilize and ensure no one is left behind in this process,” Horsfall said.
On her part, Lucy Fadumila commended NIWOWV for its consistency in championing women’s political inclusion.
“Women’s participation in politics is no longer negotiable it is essential. I salute NIWOWV’s commitment and encourage every woman to prepare, to vote, and to lead,” she noted.
The AGM and CVR campaign ended with a renewed pledge by participants to intensify grassroots mobilization across the FCT, ensuring that women are not only counted at the ballot box but also occupy positions of influence in the march toward the 2027 general elections.
