NIGERIAN WOMEN PRAY FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE, SUCCESSFUL 2027 ELECTIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlights women’s 10 million votes, urges support for Tinubu-Shettima; BWI-RHA DG says women across 774 LGAs back President’s second term

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Sunday, October 18, 2026

Nigerian women from different organisations and backgrounds have gathered in Abuja to pray for national unity, peaceful coexistence, improved security and the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections, while emphasising women’s participation in shaping the country’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 of faith and leaders of various organisations to intercede for Nigeria, its leaders and the nation’s future.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim: Women Are Major Electoral Stakeholders

Speaking at the gathering, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, called on Nigerian women to unite and actively participate in the 2027 general elections, stressing the importance of speaking with one voice as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.

The Minister identified women as major stakeholders in the forthcoming elections, citing their collective voting strength of over 10 million votes and urging them to mobilise their numerical strength in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

She also charged women to protect their votes and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, emphasising that their participation should extend beyond casting ballots to ensuring that their votes are properly counted.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted what she described as the Tinubu administration’s commitment to women’s development, particularly through budgetary allocations and programmes targeted at improving women’s welfare and economic opportunities.

She encouraged women to pay attention to policies and initiatives affecting their development as they prepare to exercise their civic responsibilities in the forthcoming elections.

The Minister’s message placed women’s electoral participation within the broader conversation about gender inclusion, economic empowerment, political representation and the government’s role in addressing issues affecting women across the country.

Sen. (Pst.) Binta Masi Gambo Anchors Prayer Session

The prayer session was anchored by Senator (Pastor) Binta Masi Gambo, who also led some of the prayers for Nigeria, its leadership and the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

The session focused on Nigeria’s political, economic and security challenges, with participants seeking divine intervention for the country, wisdom for leaders at all levels of government and lasting peace across the nation.

Participants prayed for President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and other government officials, asking God to grant them wisdom and strength to discharge their responsibilities in the interest of the nation.

They also prayed for an end to insecurity, the restoration of peace in troubled communities and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political differences.

Bishop Sally Williams Calls for Divine Intervention

In her charge and exhortation, Bishop Sally Williams drew inspiration 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.

The scriptures provided the foundation for prayers centred on repentance, national restoration, divine guidance and the responsibility of believers to pray for those in positions of authority.

The prayer leaders also included Her Eminence General Lady Superintendent Dr Elizabeth A. Akinadewo, Ambassador Dr Rhoda Godwill Johota and Ambassador Elizabeth Abuk.

Their contributions reinforced the spiritual focus of the gathering, with prayers directed towards national unity, peace, security and responsible leadership.

Princess Jummai Idonije Advocates Sustained Prayers for Nigeria

Earlier, 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 gathering would become a sustained initiative rather than a one-off event.

Her remarks highlighted the importance of continued collective prayers for Nigeria, its leaders and citizens, particularly at a time when the country faces political, economic and security challenges.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for women from different organisations to unite around a shared desire for national peace, stability and development.

Benjamins-Laniyi Leads Worship, Calls for Women’s Participation

The Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, led a worship rendition before offering the closing prayer.

In her closing remarks, she called on Nigerian women to support President Tinubu, reinforcing the appeal for their collective involvement in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Her participation added to the event’s emphasis on the intersection of faith, women’s development and engagement in national affairs.

The gathering underscored the importance of women’s participation not only in electoral politics but also in promoting peaceful coexistence, strengthening communities and advancing development.

BWI-RHA DG: Women Across 774 LGAs Speak With One Voice

The Director-General of the Business Women Initiative for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA), Dr Ngozi Oyewole, said women across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas were increasingly speaking with one voice in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

Oyewole attributed the support to what she described as the administration’s efforts and ongoing programmes, expressing the conviction that the President deserved another term to complete the work in progress.

She said the growing alignment among women reflected their assessment of the administration’s activities and their desire to see its programmes and policies continued.

According to her, organised women across the country were prepared to remain actively involved in the political process as the 2027 general elections approached.

Her remarks highlighted the role of organised women’s groups in political mobilisation and the potential influence of female constituencies in national electoral conversations.

Women and the Road to 2027

The gathering brought together prayers for national peace and security with discussions about women’s participation in the forthcoming elections.

The Minister’s emphasis on women’s voting strength highlighted the importance of voter mobilisation, participation and the protection of votes. Meanwhile, the contributions of the prayer leaders reflected the participants’ desire for divine guidance, responsible leadership and peaceful coexistence across the country.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the event drew attention to women’s place in national affairs and the importance of ensuring that citizens can participate in the electoral process peacefully and have their votes properly counted.

The organisers expressed hope that the initiative would inspire continued prayers for Nigeria and encourage women to remain engaged in matters affecting the country’s unity, development and future.

ENDS