A senior political figure and advocate for women’s development has called on Nigeria to make full use of the country’s female political leadership, arguing that the grassroots organization of women remains essential for national development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Writing in an opinion piece on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, Mary Manzo, Special Adviser on Tourism and Human Capital Development to the Governor of Taraba State, said that political history across the world demonstrates that when women organise, their impact extends far beyond voting.
She cited international examples of women’s political networks and leaders shifting national dynamics, including Britain’s Women2Win initiative, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ 31st December Women’s Movement in Ghana, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and voter registration drives led by Stacey Abrams in the United States.
Highlighting internal party dynamics, Amb. Manzo pointed to the role of Dr. Betta Edu, who became the youngest National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at 35 in 2022 and currently serves as Director of Women Mobilization for the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Amb. Manzo noted that Dr. Edu has committed to leading door-to-door, market-to-market grassroots drives across the South-East region ahead of the 2027 presidential poll following a recent empowerment initiative in Owerri, Imo State.
Addressing public scrutiny surrounding political figures, Amb. Manzo stated:
“Public figures can encounter difficult chapters in their careers, but those chapters should not automatically erase every capability, experience or contribution they have demonstrated. Women should not have to be perfect before they are allowed to lead. They must be accountable, certainly, but they should also be allowed to learn, rebuild and contribute.”
She concluded that as Nigeria prepares for another major political cycle, expanding opportunities for female organisers, strategists, and candidates will be critical to strengthening public leadership across the country.
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