By Justina Auta, NAN
Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, outgoing Director-General of Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), has urged Nigerian women to actively contest elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Vilita-Bashir made the call while announcing her resignation during her induction into the MBNCWD Hall of Fame on Wednesday in Abuja, expressing her readiness to represent women in the next political election cycle.
Her induction recognised her significant contributions to women’s empowerment, highlighting her achievements in leadership, grassroots mobilisation, and advocacy for improved opportunities and political participation for women across Nigeria.
She encouraged women to step forward and contest positions rather than depend solely on appointments, stressing that deliberate action was needed to claim their space in governance and decision-making.
“I call on Nigerian women to participate in the political space. There is nothing good that comes easy. No pain, no gain.
“I am very happy that I will be coming out to represent the Nigerian woman in the next political election cycle. So I want to call on our women to take the bull by the horn,” Vilita-Bashir added.
She emphasised that women must demonstrate courage and determination, noting that political opportunities would not be handed to them without effort and proactive engagement in the political process.
“We don’t expect appointments to be given to us on a platter of gold. We just have to move, take the courage and the risk, and God will help us,” she emphasised.
Vilita-Bashir encouraged women to “take the bull by the horns” and contest elections, stating that increased female participation was key to achieving inclusive governance, gender equality, and national development in Nigeria.
She described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as gender friendly, urging women to capitalise on the opportunity by coming out en masse to seek political positions.
“As we all know, our President and his wife are gender friendly. I want to call on Nigerian women to take advantage of this administration and come out en masse to contest elections,” she added.
Vilita-Bashir expressed gratitude to MBNCWD management and Nigeria’s leadership, noting that her Hall of Fame recognition served as an inspiration to future generations to advance women’s empowerment.
She urged the incoming MBNCWD leadership to build on her legacy and continue efforts to improve the lives of women and girls across Nigeria through advocacy and policy initiatives.
Mrs Ebie Emezuie, Director of Training and Development at MBNCWD, commended Vilita-Bashir’s leadership, citing her open-door policy, grassroots mobilisation, and infrastructural development initiatives that benefitted women nationwide.
Nikky Onyeri, National Convener of the Forum of 2027 APC Female Aspirants Network (FAFAN), lauded Vilita-Bashir’s decision to pursue political office and urged women to contest elections in the forthcoming polls.
Onyeri added that more than 200 female aspirants, including herself, had declared intentions to contest for various positions under the APC, emphasising, “Women you have to come out first because if you don’t come out, they won’t hand it over to you.”
She said, “Declare your intention and with the goodwill of people, I know the future of women in Nigeria will be bright, especially under the leadership of President Tinubu.”
Mrs HailMary Hypo, a notable female politician, described Vilita-Bashir’s induction as an inspiration to women, urging others to support female aspirants and leave a legacy of integrity, character, and service.
“We urge women to leave a legacy, have integrity and good character, and affect the lives of common people wherever we find ourselves or the positions we hold.
“I hope she achieves more, especially as she aspires for elective position in Borno Senate,” she added.
Vilita-Bashir’s resignation and declared political ambition signal growing momentum among Nigerian women leaders seeking elective positions, highlighting a surge in female participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. (NAN)
