Across the world, political history teaches us a vital lesson: when women organise and take ownership of a cause, their impact can extend far beyond the ballot box.

From Britain’s Women2Win and Labour Women’s Network to grassroots political movements in the United States, India and Africa, organised women have consistently built networks, mentored leaders, mobilised communities and contributed to shaping political and national development.

Mobilisation is leadership. It requires energy, resilience, organisation and the ability to connect high-level policy with ordinary people.

This brings us to Dr Betta Edu.

Dr. Betta Edu

Emerging at just 35 as the youngest National Women Leader of the APC, and securing more than 2,600 votes at the party’s 2022 national convention, she demonstrated considerable experience in women’s organisation and grassroots mobilisation.

Regardless of political affiliation, that experience matters.

And today, that experience is once again being put to work.

As Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Edu has pledged to lead grassroots mobilisation across the South-East ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, during the September flag-off of the distribution of empowerment items to women across the South-East, she said that once the campaign is fully activated, she would return to the region to take the message of the Renewed Hope administration directly to women.

That is precisely the kind of grassroots engagement that political mobilisation requires: going beyond political structures and reaching people where they live, work and organise.

Public figures can encounter difficult chapters in their careers, but those chapters should not automatically erase every capability, experience or contribution they have demonstrated. Assessment requires fairness, accountability and perspective.

Edu with President Tinubu

Women should not have to be perfect before they are allowed to lead. They must be accountable, certainly, but they should also be allowed to learn, rebuild and contribute.

As Nigeria approaches another major political cycle, women will be key communicators, organisers, candidates, strategists and community mobilisers.

The conversation surrounding figures such as Dr Betta Edu, therefore, should not be reduced simply to one individual. It is also about whether Nigeria is prepared to recognise, develop and utilise the proven mobilisation capacity of its women.

As a woman, entrepreneur, former diplomat and advocate for women’s development, I believe strongly that we need more women prepared to enter the arena, build bridges and create opportunities for the next generation.

When women lead, younger women see possibilities.

When experienced women mobilise, communities become more engaged.

And when a nation gives capable women room to rise, learn and contribute, the nation expands its pool of leadership.

Hon Mary with Governor of Taraba State

By Hon. Amb. Mary writes from Jalingo, is a
Special Adviser to the Governor of Taraba State on Tourism and Human Capital Development; YES4APC Leader, Advocate for Environmental Sustainability and Women’s Development Champion.