By Toochi Ejiofor
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
The Chairperson of Ikeja Local Government, Fausat Temitope Dauda, has called on women to take active roles in politics and ensure they register for their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dauda made the call during the Women in Politics/Voters Registration Sensitization Programme held at the local government council.
Speaking on the theme, “Our Voice, Our Power: Women in Politics and the Vital Role of the PVC,” the Chairperson stressed that women’s participation in governance remains crucial to national development. She challenged the long-held notion that leadership is an exclusively male domain, emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive when half of its population remains on the sidelines.
“Politics is not just for men; it is for everyone whose lives are affected by government decisions,”Dauda stated. “When women are involved in governance and policymaking, the results are overwhelmingly positive. We bring unique perspectives, empathy, and a strong focus on community development, education, and healthcare.”
According to the Chairperson, empowering female leaders requires a dual approach: breaking down the cultural and financial barriers holding them back, and mobilizing voters to back them at the polls. She urged more women to step forward to contest for leadership positions, and support female candidates.
Turning to voter apathy, Dauda warned that failing to register or vote, hands over the collective future of the community to a minority, stressing that PVC represents the legal voice of the citizen.
“Your PVC is more than just a piece of plastic issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission; it is your ultimate weapon for change,” she said.
Echoing the Chairperson’s sentiments, the guest speaker at the event and Director of Peace and Development Projects (PEDEP), Francis Abayomi, warned that sidelining women directly stifles a nation’s growth.
“Any society that relegates women’s participation will have a lot of issues even with development,” Abayomi told IkejaBird. “Women play a critical role in the family, the society, and the nation. By mobilizing them to participate in politics, we are saying that we take the issue of development seriously.”
The PEDEP Director also challenged the public to channel their grievances about bad governance into active civic participation rather than passive complaints.
“We can’t be complaining about leaders in government if we ourselves don’t participate,” Abayomi stated. “It is when you participate that you have the opportunity to engage further. Engagement is not just on the street; it is also at the level of decision-making.”
The Chairperson encouraged all eligible citizens, particularly women, who are unregistered or require card transfers and replacements, to immediately visit INEC offices and authorized registration centres.
“Do not sit on the sidelines while your future is decided without you,” she urged. “Let us stand together, get our PVCs, and support capable women to lead us into a brighter, more inclusive Nigeria!”
The event served as a medium for women to share their thoughts on political participation and grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.
