A massive gathering of Oyo State women took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan on August 31, 2026, showcasing their organisational capacity and political enthusiasm. The event, which was attended by market women, party faithful, and organised women's groups, was initially expected to feature the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to attend in person and was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The mobilisation effort, led by the Oyo State APC Women Leader, Dr Adekemi Felicia Opatunde, involved extensive engagements with party women and other women's constituencies ahead of the gathering. Opatunde also utilised media platforms to raise awareness and encourage participation, recognising the significance of radio in reaching a wider audience beyond formal political structures. The efforts culminated in a large turnout of women from across the state, many of whom wore coordinated attire, adding colour to the event.
The participation of market women and other grassroots women's groups was a notable feature of the gathering. Historically, market women have played a crucial role in the political and social landscape of South-West Nigeria, with their influence extending beyond commerce. Their presence at the event carries significance beyond crowd size, as they represent existing grassroots structures that can be leveraged to deepen women's participation in governance and political engagement.
The gathering was part of the Tinubu Torch Bearers initiative, a women-led grassroots mobilisation and advocacy platform aimed at promoting public awareness, civic participation, and community-level engagement. The initiative's success will be measured by its ability to sustain engagement beyond the event, with a focus on creating channels for women to articulate concerns affecting their families and livelihoods.
The event demonstrated that the mobilisation of women can be a powerful force in Nigerian politics, with the absence of the First Lady not diminishing the enthusiasm of the participants. The women had already arrived at the stadium, showcasing their commitment to the cause and their ability to mobilise independently of high-profile personalities.
The challenge now lies in sustaining the relationships and momentum generated by the event. The Oyo State APC women leadership, led by Dr Opatunde, must continue to engage with the women and address issues that directly affect them, including economic opportunities, access to finance, healthcare, education, and social protection.
The Ibadan gathering serves as a testament to the potential for grassroots mobilisation and women's empowerment in Nigerian politics. As the country moves towards another electoral cycle, the event provides valuable lessons for politicians and stakeholders on the importance of engaging with and mobilising women at the grassroots level.
Key points
- The Oyo APC women mobilisation effort demonstrates the potential for grassroots mobilisation and women's empowerment in Nigerian politics.
- The event highlights the significance of engaging with and mobilising women at the grassroots level, particularly in the run-up to elections.
- The success of the Tinubu Torch Bearers initiative will depend on its ability to sustain engagement and create channels for women to articulate their concerns beyond the event.
