Ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is already laying the groundwork, and this week they've put a key player in charge of rallying the nation’s women. Mary Idele, a politician and advocate for women's rights, has been appointed Secretary of the Women Mobilisation Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Her job? To make sure Nigerian women are on board for President Bola Tinubu's re-election.
Idele, who received the news on Monday, expressed her gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in her. She described the appointment not just as a role, but as a significant chance to contribute to the President's quest for another term. Winning elections in Nigeria isn't just about big rallies in Abuja; it's about connecting with people where they live, especially women who are often the backbone of communities.
She made it clear that her strategy won't just rely on national-level political structures. Idele plans to use her experience in grassroots organising and women empowerment to build a wide-reaching network. This means engaging women directly in their communities, from the local government areas all the way up. She believes this sustained interaction at the community level is key to a successful campaign. She's promising to work with women leaders and party officials to make sure women are a core part of the strategy.
The directorate will focus on building a robust mobilisation machinery. This machine will be tasked with carrying the campaign’s message directly to women in every corner of the federation. This is a collective effort, requiring careful planning and constant interaction, especially given how vital women are in Nigerian politics. They're a powerful voting bloc, and their engagement can make or break a campaign.
Idele didn't mince words about the goal: "Our goal is to mobilise Nigerian women for victory and to support the progressive and Renewed Hope agenda. We will work collectively, strategically and tirelessly to ensure a landslide victory for Mr President in 2027." It's a bold pledge. With the election still some time away, the APC is clearly prioritizing women's support, recognising their influence in shaping electoral outcomes.
Political parties are ramping up their activities, looking to strengthen their bases and expand their reach for the upcoming general election. Women's participation and mobilisation are seen as particularly important. This is given their sheer numbers in the electorate and their often-central role in how political messages spread through communities.