The quest to expand women’s political participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections received a strategic boost as a 4-day capacity-building workshop #FIXPOLITICS titled “Strengthening Values-Driven Women Leaders for 2027 Elections in Nigeria” convened influential female politicians, activists, and emerging leaders in Abuja. The event focused on equipping aspirants and political actors with the requisite knowledge and practical tools for effective grassroots engagement and value-based leadership.
A major highlight of the workshop was the keynote address delivered by Distinguished Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly. Renowned for her bold political ascendancy and transformative grassroots influence, Senator Natasha captivated participants with an insightful presentation on Grassroots Mobilization Strategies for Campaigns. She drew heavily from her personal experience in the 2023 senatorial election, an electoral battle widely recognized as a test of resilience, popular acceptance, and democratic advocacy in Kogi State.
Senator Natasha elaborated on the significance of thoroughly understanding the constituency landscape before initiating campaign activities. She noted that electoral success is deeply rooted in acknowledging the distinct demographic dynamics, socioeconomic realities, and political history of every local community. By identifying the unique needs of the people, candidates are better positioned to craft messages that resonate and inspire trust.
She further emphasized the importance of knowing the power brokers, influencers, and demographic blocs that shape decision-making within communities. Mapping these stakeholders, according to her, helps aspirants determine allies, partnership channels and pressure points to secure widespread support. She explained how strategic alliances and early engagement with critical community figures were pivotal to her victories despite overwhelming resistance.
Senator Natasha also shed light on the value of sustained community interaction that goes beyond election seasons. She encouraged women aspirants to prioritize uplifting the people with practical and continuous interventions, be it through empowerment programs, advocacy for infrastructure, or championing social justice causes. Such efforts, she stated, transform a political campaign from mere promises to a relationship built on trust.
One of the most energetic sessions of her presentation featured a simulated door-to-door campaign demonstration showcasing the art of personal voter contact. She described this approach as the heartbeat of grassroots politics, particularly for female candidates often underestimated within patriarchal political structures. Face-to-face conversations, she stressed, allow women to dismantle stereotypes, listen directly to voters’ concerns, and mobilize households into loyal vote-bases.
Throughout her keynote, participants were visibly inspired by Senator Natasha’s practical wisdom, having lived the realities she described. She repeatedly pointed out that her electoral success was not purchased with wealth or political godfathers’ backing but earned through authenticity, perseverance and community-centered engagement.
Many attendees lauded her message as a roadmap for women determined to claim a stronger stake in Nigeria’s political future. They affirmed that lessons from her presentation would greatly influence their campaign planning and public engagement moving forward.
The “Strengthening Values-Driven Women Leaders for 2027 Elections” initiative stands as a major step toward dismantling the structural barriers women face in governance.
The presence and guidance of leaders like Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continue to reinforce the belief that Nigerian women can rise not just as participants but as victorious contenders reshaping the nation’s political destiny.
